In north-eastern Guyana, almost 460 km of coastline defy the Atlantic Ocean. Mangrove forests and brackish water swamps are the habitat of sea turtles or the bizarre four-eyed fish. Here, 90% of Guyanese live in a constant struggle against the water. And yet Caribbean serenity characterises everyday life.Most of the coast is protected by the "Seawall", numerous sluices regulate the water level in the channels. Already, many coastal areas are below high tide, and the sea level is rising.
Hoatzins, Guyana's heraldic birds, breed in the shore trees. Their young protect themselves from enemies by jumping into the water. A young anaconda lies in wait in the canals of the capital Georgetown. An exciting combination of Caribbean and former British colony, six different ethnic groups live peacefully together here.