The Venetian lagoon is home to “barene” – salt marshes made of vegetation and mud, which play an important role against the effects of climate breakdown. They absorb CO2 and can store it long term in the soil, even more efficiently than land forests. But erosion and rising sea levels are threatening these natural ramparts. Today, scientists and environmental associations are trying to save these unique ecosystems. Our Italy correspondent Natalia Mendoza reports.​