Deforestation

Deforestation is the conversion of forest to other land use. It includes areas of forest converted to agriculture, pasture, water reservoirs, mining and urban areas. The term specifically excludes areas where the trees have been removed as a result of harvesting or logging, and where the forest is expected to regenerate naturally or with the aid of silvicultural measures.

Deforestation through unsustainable logging, plantation development, and forest loss exacerbates competition over resources and threatens women's access to food, medicine, and other products that are essential for them and their families to survive and make a living. In addition, women are more susceptible to climate shocks due to the lack of diversification of their assets and less access to resources to cope with and recover from damages.