But the desert fought back. Barely 10% of his saplings survived the searing heat and sandstorms. Those that did were often eaten by wandering goats or cut down for firewood by desperate families. After years of watching his work wither, Tony was ready to admit defeat.
Underneath the "dead" soil lay a massive, ancient network of roots—an waiting for a chance to grow. DER.2021.German.WALDMACHER
This story is based on the 2021 documentary Der Waldmacher ( The Forest Maker ), directed by Volker Schlöndorff. It chronicles the life's work of Tony Rinaudo , an Australian agronomist who revolutionized reforestation in Africa. The Underground Forest But the desert fought back