De-Forestation: At the turn of the last century the Gambia's land territory was extensively covered in pristine forests. However, with the advent of an expanding population, the balance between humans and the environment became destabilised and a process of de-forestation had begun. The main cause of this deforestation was the unchecked use of fires which systematically destroyed most of the vegetation cover. The other causes were and are still  the felling of trees for firewood, demarcating fences, building purposes, and clearing for the purpose of grazing livestock. Secondary savannas are characterised by less diversity made up of mainly fire resistant vegetation. Their increase is a direct consequence of regular fires which do not allow the restoration of the original vegetation cover. Other effects and impacts of uncontrolled bush and forest fires include: • soil and water degradation due to the release of minerals stored in the burnt biomass, and the deterioration of physical composition and chemical soil properties; • an alteration of the micro-climate; • change and loss of habitat for the indigenous flora and fauna population; • loss of biomass which could be used for animal fodder, fuel, compost, etc.; • air pollution and release of extra CO2 into the atmosphere thus adding to the 'green house effect'. The process of deforestation is still going on. It is steadily reducing the biological and economic productivity and viability of the Gambian forest ecosystems as well as that of the surrounding croplands and will lead to irreversible losses of land productivity if it cannot be halted and reversed. The main cause of wildlife / biodiversity loss is habitat destruction. Poaching/ illegal hunting is also a contributory factor. Farmers Attitudes: A number of research studies have been conducted in recent years and they indicate that most of the Gambian farmers can well identify between the past and present environmental situation and are aware of the consequences and effects of deforestation. However, they have been farming for generations and may not have thought about modern, new techniques to preserve soil fertility and protecting land. Others may simply not have any means nor time or both, because of more important genuine businesses and social obligations. Land borrowers are constrained to develop the land they cultivate due to the traditional land tenure system. Marginal groups of the society often do not have access to land at all. They are forced to clear forest land for crop production or depend on forest products exploitation in order to survive.  This can be in the form of selling firewood or poaching. International Conventions: The Government of The Gambia has ratified the international Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD), the the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),  of the United Nations. Source: Dept. of Forestry