Deforestation

Forests contribute directly to the livelihood of poor people. They meet many people's basic needs, providing food, fuel, building materials and clean water.

In addition they nourish the natural systems on which many more people depend. They also account for as much as 90% of terrestial biodiversity.

In most countries, however, forests are shrinking and forest loss is taking a terrible toll on both the natural and economic resources of many countries.