By Simran Jeet
Copyright newsbytesapp
Floating villages give a rare glimpse of life on water, where communities thrive on rivers and lakes. These settlements are usually built on stilts or floating platforms, giving a fascinating way of living that adapts itself to nature. From Asia to South America, these villages highlight different cultures and lifestyles. Exploring them will teach you about sustainable living practices and the challenges of keeping their traditional ways of life alive. Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia has several floating villages where villagers live in houses on stilts or rafts. Since the lake’s water levels vary greatly between the seasons, it affects daily life and activities. People depend largely on fishing for their livelihood, adjusting their homes and schedules according to the environment. One can explore these villages by boat and learn how people harmonized with nature over generations. Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is famous for its spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters. Amidst the picturesque scenery are floating fishing villages where families have resided for centuries. These communities rely on aquaculture and tourism for a living. The villagers’ way of life showcases an inseparable bond with the sea, as they brave daily struggles brought on by weather conditions, while retaining their roots. The Uros Islands in Peru are artificial islands made from reeds that float atop Lake Titicaca. The indigenous Uros people construct their homes using totora reeds found abundantly in the area. This unique method allows them to create stable platforms for living while maintaining mobility if needed due to environmental changes or other factors affecting safety or resources availability. Makoko is a sprawling waterfront settlement along the Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria’s Venice of Africa. It mainly comprises of wooden shacks perched above water on stilts, connected via narrow walkways, accessible only through canoe rides across canals crisscrossing this vibrant community. Bustling with activity despite limited infrastructure services, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. Witnessing resilience, adaptability firsthand among inhabitants thriving under challenging circumstances, is faced daily here too!
