where nature comes out on top – Saalbach-Hinterglemm

After decades of individual struggles to survive, the humans and animals here are now embarking on a new, co-operative way of living together and sharing limited space and resources. A variety of rewilding projects and other initiatives aim to restore and preserve the local nature and promote an existence that is “better together”. It is an attempt to protect the treasures of the Alps for all species - and for future generations.

The documentary follows the Saalach River to its origin, exploring various habitats that lie along the watercourse. The bearded vulture has finally returned and now circles leisurely high above, while beavers apply their landscaping skills to the land below. Foxes actively seek out the proximity of humans, while the grouse play an important role in preserving the local ecology. People and animals alike depend on the region‘s alpine meadows, which provide a habitat for a wide variety of plant species and insects that form the foundation of the food chain. Harnessing the potential of each as part of a far-reaching strategy for sustainable co-operation and co-existence could provide important lessons for the future of all alpine regions.

A co-production of ORF and Interspot Film, funded by Austrian Television Fund and VAM.