In order to safeguard the unique biodiversity of the Mergui Archipelago in southern Myanmar, scientists are examining the health of the coral reefs with a view to finding solutions that will ensure sustainable development in the region.

The next high is just a mouse click away. Whether it's synthetic cannabinoids or new-generation amphetamines - the dangerous drugs disguised as "incense" or "bath salts" can be purchased easily for a small price and arrive in the post a few days later.

Many users are unaware of the dangers of these harmless sounding products. Serious side effects, long-term damage and even fatalities are becoming increasingly frequent.

At the end of 2013, Uruguay became the first country to fully legalize the production and sale of cannabis. Those wanting to take cannabis now have a number of options: either they can become a member of a so-called cannabis club or they can grow their own plants for personal consumption. And soon there will be a third option of buying up to 10 grams of cannabis a week at the chemist.The only condition is that users have to register and be at least 18 years old. Uruguay's government is convinced the liberal drug policy is the most effective way of stamping out the illegal trade in cannabis.

For nearly 50 years, the Mergui Archipelago in the far south of Myanmar was cut off from the rest of the world under the country's former military dictatorship.

But following the political transition that has taken place in the country, scientists are now seeking to establish the health of the coral reefs in this region - to find ways of protecting the area's biodiversity and solutions for sustainable development. For decades, there were no tourists to disrupt the archipelago or the lives of the local people - an ethnic minority called the Moken.

Microloans are helping small-scale farmers in Colombia to adapt to climate change. The loans are also designed to protect the region's biodiversity.

A traveling theater group in Ghana is seeking to discourage would-be refugees from attempting the dangerous journey to Europe. The initiator was himself a refugee. Now he's working to convince others to stay.

The initiator was himself a refugee and was rescued off the coast of Italy, only to be deported back to Ghana. Now he wants to convince others to stay and is also working with local projects to create a better life for people in rural villages.

An increasing number of small-scale farmers in southeast Colombia are finding their fields are drying out. Microloans can't replace the rain in the valleys of the Andes, but they can help the farmers to adapt to the changing climate.

Two thousand loans have already been awarded, while some €20 million has been earmarked for the initiative altogether. The project is also designed to protect the region's biodiversity. A few thousand euros is often sufficient for the farmers; they invest in small water treatment plants to allow them to reuse water, or in biogas plants that produce electricity and provide heating, resulting in a reduction in deforestation.

A traveling theater group in Ghana is seeking to discourage would-be refugees from attempting the dangerous journey across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean to Europe.

The initiator was himself a refugee and was rescued off the coast of Italy, only to be deported back to Ghana. Now he wants to convince others to stay and is also working with local projects to create a better life for people in rural villages.

The cloud forests of Costa Rica are home to some 400 rare bird species. Their natural habitat is threatened by climate change. The solution: Biological Corridors.

The demand for raw materials has turned many ordinary towns into industrial centers. The town of Kathu in South Africa is one example. But iron ore prices have dropped drastically in recent years. Now residents of Kathu fear for their jobs.

In December, they reached their lowest level since the financial crisis. While the residents of Kathu once benefited from huge profits, today they are fearing for their jobs.