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Deforestation rates in the Amazon, the world’s biggest rain forest, more than doubled in May as Brazilian farmers become more confident they’ll be granted amnesty for illegal logging.

BRUNEI'S deforestation rate from 2005 to 2010 was among the lowest in Southeast Asia, according to the Centre for People and Forests (RECOFTC).

During the period, deforestation in Brunei was recorded at an average annual rate of change of less than 0.5 per cent.

Laos shared a similar record in forest cover with Brunei, but the republic suffered a higher annual rate of change, of slightly over negative 0.5 per cent.

A forest in Oddar Meanchey province is facing environmental “disaster” after thousands of people destroyed up to 1,000 hectares of natural habitat, putting revenues from a carbon credit scheme worth tens of millions of dollars at risk.

Proceeds from a United Nations-backed Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation scheme are said to be in danger after waves of settlers destroyed parts of the forest in Samroang district, chief of the Romdoul Veasna community forest programme, Malis Hoeuth, said yesterday.

Forests are vital to the livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries, providing on average more than one-fifth of their annual income, according to data presented today at a meeting in London.