In this programme we hear the strange story of the Dutch Island of Schokland. For centuries islanders battled against the raging Zuider sea. In 1859 they lost the fight and were forced off their land. Now almost 150 years later the Island is again in danger of being lost, but this time, only water can save it. After such a long fight, can the Dutch turn their water enemy into a friend?
This was the first of four stories broadcast in Sound Fountain from around the world about the relationship between people and the environment. “Nature in the Balance” was a co-production of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Radio New Zealand, Sound Print in the U.S., the British Broadcasting Corporation and Radio Netherlands.
Producer: Michele Ernsting
Broadcast: February 4, 2001