"An area the size of Wales is frequently used to measure the rate of forest destruction around the world, " said Size of Wales project manager, Hannah Scrase.

BBC: Prince launching 'Size of Wales' project in Llanarthne

But they can play an important role in providing communities with local, renewable sources of energy and, critically, livelihoods that offer a compelling alternative to forest destruction.

FORBES: An Energy Crisis Solution That Proves Small Can Be Beautiful

As the Nature piece notes, a 2010 study found that reports of drought-related forest stress and destruction had risen steadily since 1985 in varied ecosystems around the world, and suggested the pattern was tied to climate change.

FORBES: Forests and Climate Change: a Combustible Combination

He managed to stop the cutting of virgin forest (and the destruction of golden monkey habitat) in Yunnan province.

ECONOMIST: Liang Congjie

In the rest of Canada, the focus is on the destruction of the boreal forest and the implications for the climate.

NEWYORKER: Unconventional Crude

There has long been opposition to the prospect of a gold mine and processing plant being built at Skouries in the Halkidiki peninsula, with some residents objecting to what they say will be the destruction of the environment and of pristine forest in the area, leading to the loss of tourism and other local activities such as farming, the rearing of livestock and fishing.

NPR: Masked Intruders Raid Greek Gold Mining Company