ROME (AFP) - The worlds deforestation rate has accelerated to 6.
1 million hectares a year between 1990 and 2000 and 6.
4 million between 2000 and 2005.
Deforestation is depriving millions of people of forest goods and services that are crucial to food security, economic well-being and environmental health, said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAOs assistant director-general.
The survey however found that the net global loss of forests over the whole period was 72.
9 million hectares 32 percentage points lower than previously thought and that deforestation in Africa was lower than past estimates.
The survey, which used extensive satellite imagery from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the US Geological Survey (USGS), showed forests currently cover 30.
3 percent of the worlds landmass.