Deforestation is the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands.

             Currently, forests cover approximately one fifth of the world"s land. Forests provide us with many products we use in our everyday lives. They also provide for us in other ways such from helping stop soil erosion to providing us with medical drugs, dyes and fabrics. Humanity depends on the survival of a healthy ecosystem and deforestation is causing many social, economic and ecological problems.

             Approximately 12 million hectares of forests are depleted each year. Ninety percent of the clearing occurs in the tropical rainforests. At the current rate of clearing, all tropical rainforests will be lost by the year 2050.(WWF).

             There are many reasons that deforestation occurs. Commercial Logging, Ranching, and farming are the main causes of deforestation. The UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities) said in it"s 1990 report that population growth may have been responsible for as much as eighty percent of the forest land cleared between 1971 and 1986 to make room for agriculture, cattle ranching, houses, roads and industries (Ramphal, 1992, p.55).

             Commercial Logging is accounting for the elimination of about 20,000 square feet of tropical forests per year. The increasing demand for fuel wood as populations expand is another important factor leading to deforestation. In most developing areas, wood is the primary source of fuel. In many of these areas, the demand for fuel wood is rising at about the rate of population growth, and ahead of the destruction committed by loggers. (Hardaway, 1994, p. 201). One third of the world"s people depend on wood for fuel as a significant energy source (Dudley).

             Tropical forests cover about 10 per cent of the world"s dry land surface, mostly located in South America and Asia (Dudley 6). In the tropical forests of the world, deforestation is occurring for agriculture and livestock pastures.