People Fixing the World

Jane Chambers, a dedicated reporter, dives into a remarkable story of water-sharing in Bolivia. She explores how the farming community of Los Negros faced severe water scarcity, leading to tensions with upstream villages. Instead of conflict, collaboration blossomed, resulting in a groundbreaking agreement to protect forests and sustain the river. This innovative approach is now a blueprint for similar initiatives across Latin America, showcasing the power of community and conservation in tackling global water challenges.

A quick hello and happy new year from Myra and a preview of some of the great solutions coming up on People Fixing The World. Share our podcast with your friends and family and give them something to cheer about as we look ahead to 2025.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Myra Anubi visits a major project in the north of England that’s restoring a damaged landscape. Haweswater in the Lake District is an area of stunning natural beauty but over the years it’s been degraded by humans and livestock. This has created flood risks and reduced biodiversity. But now work is underway to restore the site to benefit both people and the environment. Rivers have been ‘re-wiggled’, peat bogs repaired, and new trees planted. Myra also visits an innovative scheme in the area that’s using old Christmas trees to repair damaged river banks.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Richard Kenny Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound mix: Gareth Jones(Image: Annabel Rushton and Glen Swainson of the RSPB with Myra Anubi, BBC)

Join reporters Claire Bates, Craig Langran, and Claire Bowes as they discuss innovative solutions making a real impact. Claire Bates shines a light on beavers' role in rewilding and kelp forest restoration. Craig Langran tantalizes with culinary innovations transforming pesky sea urchins into gourmet dishes. Claire Bowes highlights sustainable fashion initiatives in collaboration with indigenous communities. Together, they explore revolutionary healthcare solutions in Kenya, including drone deliveries and mental health support in barbershops, showcasing hope and creativity in tackling global challenges.

Craig Langran, a dynamic reporter and producer, discusses the rising threat of wildfires and the innovative solutions being implemented in Spain and England. He reveals how trained cows are being utilized to manage vegetation and prevent fires, showcasing a natural approach to a growing crisis. Additionally, Langran dives into groundbreaking technologies like infrared flame detection and drone deployment, highlighting their effectiveness in early fire detection. This blend of wildlife collaboration and tech innovation offers hope in an increasingly challenging environmental landscape.

Gun violence impacts nations worldwide, sparking innovative solutions. A company in the US has developed a smart gun using facial recognition and fingerprints, ensuring only the owner can fire it. In the UK, one woman is linking police and partners of gun license applicants to enhance safety measures. Jamaica's strategy focuses on using hospital data to tackle firearm-related crimes in challenged neighborhoods. The shift towards treating gun violence as a public health issue emphasizes education, community involvement, and data-driven responses.

Chhavi Sachdev, a dedicated producer and reporter, takes us through India's innovative approaches to combat plastic waste. She highlights the eco-social company Recharkha, which empowers village women by transforming plastic packaging into stylish products. There's a fascinating look at a project in Noida that recycles millions of cigarette butts into soft materials for toys, merging creativity with sustainability. This insightful discussion reveals how upcycling not only tackles pollution but also uplifts local communities.

Coconuts are more than just a tasty snack; they hold the potential to fix real-world problems. Entrepreneurs are transforming coconut husks into sustainable alternatives to charcoal, benefiting forests and community health. Innovative cooling solutions made from coconuts help keep perishables fresh without plastic. From tackling deforestation to revolutionizing wastewater treatment, these eco-friendly initiatives are changing lives and promoting sustainability in Sierra Leone and beyond.

We rely on space for our communications, weather monitoring and security. Yet rising levels of space junk increase the risk of collisions, putting these things at risk.This week we are heading to a space lab in the UK to meet the scientists building a special waste collector that will clean up defunct satellites. We’ll also be heading to the Himalayas to see how an innovative project is training sherpas in Nepal to clear trash off the mountains using drones.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer: Claire Bates Sound mix: Annie Gardiner Voiceovers: Diwakar Pyakurel at BBC Nepali, Hikmat Khadka Editor: Jon Bithrey(Image: Myra Anubi and Anna Nash from Astroscale, BBC)

Powered chairs offer people with limited mobility the chance to be independent, since they can be controlled with an array of switches and pads. For some people though, unpredictable muscle spasms mean that driving can be time-consuming, stressful or dangerous. We try out a new device from Belgium that uses artificial intelligence to quickly learn a user’s profile, filtering out unintentional movements to provide a smooth experience, meaning more people than ever can steer their chairs and live more comfortably. And we find out how clothing can help autistic people communicate their feelings more easily.People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.Presenter: Myra Anubi Producer/reporter: William Kremer Reporter: Ben Morris Editor: Jon Bithrey(Image: Levi Rijsbrack and Ben Morris, William Kremer/BBC)