Today in Africa

Each day the sentinels of the water try to preserve their heritage in a world of dramatic change. From Saint-Louis to Kayar, via the region of Sine Saloum, we meet Meissa Fall, bicycle repairer, the fishermen Pape Lamine and Elimane, and Ousmane, the salt harvester.

In Benin, the keepers of the spirits preserve a powerful spirituality. We meet Aténi, a follower of Voodoo, and Baba Fudji, a Toffina fisherman from the lake village of Ganvie. Deen, a member of the Eco-Benin association, describes the mangrove sanctification ceremony.

Caught between the immensity of the Atlantic and that of the Sahara, Mauritania was born of wind and sand. Today its men and women hand down its desert traditions. We meet Youbba, nomad patriarch of the Adrar region; Seif, custodian of Chinguetti's ancient manuscripts; and Nour, a fisherman.

Gabon's soul lies hidden beneath a thick green mantle, the source of most of the Gabonese traditions, medicines, spirituality, and resources. A precious heritage that a small number of men and women protect. We meet Kombo, a Babongo hunter, and Juste, who is in touch with the forest spirits.