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On the largest lake in Southeast Asia, the enormous Tonle Sap, thousands of people live in harmony with the seasons, adapted to the cycle of the lake's nature. They live permanently in houseboats on the water. Whole villages have adapted their lives to the extremely fluctuating water levels of the Tonle Sap. The rhythm of the seasons means that they have to move again and again. The water level of the Tonle Sap Lake fluctuates by up to eight meters. During the dry season in February and March, the water level drops sharply. Near the shore, forests emerge from the water, through which countless sluices and natural canals run. In the floating villages, the time has now come for moving and renovation. Whole villages are moving and, as always, following the water level - further out onto the lake, where the canals are deeper and thus serve as waterways for boats all year round. The residents live from fishing and now, when the water releases fertile alluvial land, also from agriculture. The low water level – here at the current mooring – is also suitable for renovations, as you can stand on the bottom. The Yol family is also in the mood to move. Two of the family's houses are already at the new mooring, and the remaining four are to follow in the next few days. 73-year-old Beun is the head of an extended family. As always, he is organizing the move of the floating family houses. It is an annual cycle, adapted to nature. The people live from fishing or breeding crocodiles. Every spring, everything on the Tonle Sap is in motion. Even lavish wedding celebrations are held on the lake. And this despite the fact that the water level is sinking more and more at this time of year. Every hand is needed on the Tonle Sap. Reportage by Martin Schacht (D 2023) Media library: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/111684-... #artefamily #Cambodia #TonleSap Available until: June 26, 2093 Subscribe to the ARTE Junior YouTube channel: / @artefamilyde Follow us on social networks: Snapchat : artejunior Facebook : / infobyarte Twitter : / arteinfo