New Orleans


Maya travels to New Orleans, on the occasion of the 8th Symposium of the Religion, Science and Environment NGO, under the auspices of H.E. Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, dubbed "the Green Patriarch" by the international media.

Two years after the previous Symposium in frozen Greenland, religious leaders, scientists, environmentalists and journalists meet again, this time along the banks of the Mississippi River, in New Orleans, 4 years after the horrifying disaster brought about by hurricane Katrina. They are here to discuss the pressing issues of climate change and most importantly, find common grounds between religion and science, in order to offer solutions.

New Orleans is a magical place which has captured the world's imagination, mostly thanks to its music heritage. A colorful melting pot of different races, cultures and influences, New Orleans combines the traditions of the American South with the Creole culture of the Caribbean, the African heritage of the majority of its citizens and the nostalgic feeling of the French and Spanish colonial era.

In August 2005, when hurricane Katrina destroyed the city, there were many voices predicting the end of this proud, historic city. However, New Orleans proved them wrong. 4 years after, New Orleans might still be wounded, but is standing again on its feet. Maya walks around its neighborhoods, discovers its history, meets with its people and tries to understand what makes New Orleans so special…