Watch Banking Nature

Banking Nature is a critically acclaimed documentary film that premiered in 2015. Directed by Sandrine Feydel, the film takes a deep dive into the world of environmental conservation and the commodification of nature. The film follows the story of the complex ecosystem of rivers and wetlands in the Danube Delta, one of the last areas in Europe that remains largely untouched by human development. The Danube Delta is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna in its unique wetland environment, and it is also a crucial stopping point for migratory birds that travel from Europe to Asia and back every year.

The documentary explores how the conservation of important ecosystems like the Danube Delta is increasingly being financed through market-based mechanisms like carbon credits and biodiversity offsets. These mechanisms are designed to incentivize companies to reduce their environmental impact by generating revenue through buying and selling credits on commodity markets.

Banking Nature raises important questions about the ethical implications of commodifying the natural world, highlighting the tension between conservation and capitalist interests. The documentary follows the perspective of local communities, scientists, and conservationists in the Danube Delta, as well as NGOs and researchers on a global level, to illustrate how the interests of conservation and market forces are often in conflict.

Through interviews with key players in the conservation and finance sectors, the film reveals how the monetization of nature can lead to unintended consequences like the displacement of local communities and biodiversity loss. The film's primary focus is on the controversial REDD mechanism, a market-based approach to halt deforestation in developing countries, which has been criticized for its effects on the welfare of local communities and the enforcement of property rights.

The documentary raises crucial questions about the role of the free market and its potential in addressing environmental concerns. Some argue that market-based approaches can lead to more efficient and effective conservation efforts, while others argue that these mechanisms are simply another form of capitalism that commodifies nature rather than preserving it.

Despite its complex subject matter, Banking Nature is accessible and engaging, employing beautiful aerial shots of the Danube Delta's wildlife and landscape to illustrate how important conservation efforts are for the environment as well as the wider community. The film is driven by a strong narrative that takes the audience through the scientific, political, and societal forces at play in environmental conservation and the commercialization of nature.

Overall, Banking Nature is a thought-provoking and informative film that raises important questions about the growing trend of commodifying nature. By exploring the complexities of market-based conservation, the documentary provides a powerful reminder of the inextricable link between nature and society, and the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.