25 March 2010, Rome -- The rate of deforestation shows signs of decreasing ? but is still alarmingly high. According to the newly published Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010, deforestation ? mainly the conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land ? shows signs of decreasing in several countries but continues at a high rate in others. South America and Africa had the highest net annual loss of forests in 2000-2010, with four and 3.4 million hectares respectively. (FAO Photo: Forestry experts in Congo-Brazzaville)