S01E01Malaysia's Marine Paradise

Off Borneo, Tun Sakaran Marine Park protects one of the world’s richest reef systems, formed by a volcano and home to hundreds of coral and fish species. Protection has forced coastal communities, like the stilt‑dwelling Sama Dilaut, to seek new livelihoods; fishing is banned on some reefs. Only with protection can fish recover and repopulate legal zones. Some families now run seaweed farms; farmers may settle on green isles if they avoid deforestation. Island groves are guarded by local beliefs in forest spirits, whose warnings farmers heed to preserve nature.