Half of the world’s mangroves have been destroyed. They play a critical role, however, in mitigating climate change, as The Guardian explains. Hence the government-backed project to protect 21,782 acres in Sri Lanka through the involvement of women from 1,500 local communities. Micro-loans and business training are to be provided in exchange for the promise to stop exploiting the mangrove for firewood and to keep watch over the precious forest. Women’s involvement is the key to success, according to local officials.