Recent data tell us that tropical Africa has lost about 22 per cent of its forested area since 1900, which is comparable to the losses in the Amazon.

A recent biodiversity meeting acknowledged the serious problem of deforestation while a new report on global environmental threats to trees offered a startling estimate.

Deforestation hit a 15-year high during his term ... The basin also holds about 20% of the world’s fresh water and biodiversity includes 16,000 known tree species.