Laos' forest density has declined substantially from 47% of the total land area in 1992 to 41.5% in 2002, the main cause of destruction being slash and burn, illegal logging, and over-cutting of trees.
The dwindling forest area has raised concerns among Lao authorities who have set up a special task force to manage the nation forests under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavat.
According to Laotian Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Mr. Sitaheng Lasphone, forest coverage in Laos which was 70% in 1940 dropped to 54% in 1973, 47% in 1982, and 41% last year, or 17 million hectares in 1940 down to 9 million hectares now.
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