El Salvador's mangrove forests threatened by climate change and urbanisation

El Salvador’s Barra de Santiago, a vital mangrove forest that supports local wildlife and communities, is under threat from climate change, urbanisation, and deforestation. The coastal oasis, essential as a carbon sink and natural shield against storms, has seen over 60% of its mangroves lost since 1950. The rise of urban developments, including luxury housing projects, is exacerbating the damage, while local communities, which rely on fishing and environmental preservation, are struggling to maintain the forest’s health. Despite international restoration efforts, the rapid pace of deforestation, driven by industries like sugarcane, threatens the long-term health of the mangroves. (The Guardian)