PRODUCTIONS: A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

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M. Visalberghi, G. Pancaldi, C. Poletti, M. Felli, A D'Onofrio, P. Cappellano

SD Cinematografica

30'

16 mm

For some time the Montagu's Harrier has been forced to leave its original habitat in swampy lands as these areas are gradually reduced. Today many Harrier pairs live in the large, dense expanses of cultivated wheat. Every summer at harvest time, dramatic events occur in these fields. The reapers move steadily along devouring not only the grain but also the nests and small birds unable to fly. The only hope of salvation for the newborn is a late harvest season - or intervention by man.
The documentary illustrates the WWF prohect to save the Montagu's Harrier nests and their precious broods from extinction. The vast fields of posidonia, up to 30 metres below the water, protect the italian coast from erosion. A field of posidonia, the most common marine plant in the Mediterranean, waves in front of the camera. This valuable plant is now in serious danger due to man's uncontrolled use of dragnets for fishing. The film demonstrates the important ecological role played by these submerged plant fields.