27. The Government has reported that between 2000 and 2005, the deforestation ratewithin protected areas was 0.12 per cent a year, about one fifth of that of non-protectedforests. Between 2005 and 2010, the rate increased to 0.2 per cent, however, possiblyshowing the difficulty of managing the transition to a larger expanse of protected areas.27Nevertheless, while forest cover continues to decrease,28 the overall rate of deforestation inthe country has slowed significantly, from 0.83 per cent during the 1990s to 0.53 per centbetween 2000 and 2005 and 0.4 per cent between 2005 and 2010.29 This is an admirableachievement, especially compared to many countries that are still struggling to reduce theirrate of deforestation. However, as the Government states, “Even if it is lower than the ratein the world for tropical forests, this deforestation level is alarming for Madagascar wherenatural forest cover is less than 12% of the territory”.
27. The Government has reported that between 2000 and 2005, the deforestation rate within protected areas was 0.12 per cent a year, about one fifth of that of non-protected forests. Between 2005 and 2010, the rate increased to 0.2 per cent, however, possibly showing the difficulty of managing the transition to a larger expanse of protected areas.27 Nevertheless, while forest cover continues to decrease,28 the overall rate of deforestation in the country has slowed significantly, from 0.83 per cent during the 1990s to 0.53 per cent between 2000 and 2005 and 0.4 per cent between 2005 and 2010.29 This is an admirable achievement, especially compared to many countries that are still struggling to reduce their rate of deforestation. However, as the Government states, “Even if it is lower than the rate in the world for tropical forests, this deforestation level is alarming for Madagascar where natural forest cover is less than 12% of the territory”.