Turks & Caicos

Synopsis
Turks & Caicos Islands – Preservation is a full feature documentary directed by Dr Louis Lam, a medical expeditionist and cultural anthropologist who travels all over the world to tell inspirational stories about the local people and culture, their views about themselves versus the world, and current issues that reflect much wider influences. It opens with the very question on how long it will take for humans to realize and learn lessons to preserve our nature. This film addresses the effort on preservation not only specific to these Caribbean islands known for their conch population, but also the preservation of culture, music, history, and other things important for the next generations. It is about the balance between these preservations and responsible tourism. It takes us underwater to see the latest effort by organizations like TC Reef Fund by Alizee Zimmerman to combat a mysterious form of coral death known as Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease in addition to the ongoing bleaching problems from global warming. The TC Reef Fund pioneers innovative regenerative methods including micro fragmentation techniques. It interviews two local free divers about their experience in the decline of coral reefs in recent years in relation to increased tourism. It takes the audience to the western part of Provo to visit a local sanctuary for birds and wildlife by a husband and wife team to preserve a natural habitat from being developed into commercial resorts. It interviews the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources on responsible eco-friendly hotel constructions and challenges from consumerism such as trash. It interviews a cultural preservationist on the importance of keeping and passing on the history of these islands to the next generations as well as the local Ripsaw music and dance. It interviews two marine biologists from South Caicos about the mass production of seafood for restaurants and tourists and their impact on the marine environment.
Feature Documentary