It may come as a paradox that while interest in tropical forests worldwide has been steadily growing in the last century, this has in no way halted the continued loss and degradation of one of earth's grandest terrestrial ecosystems. In fact, the extent and rate of degradation is accelerating.

This paper examines the drivers of deforestation and the loss of forest services, and the various mechanisms that exist to protect forests in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

With 48% forest cover, the Greater Mekong Subregion still has large areas of forest remaining. The area of primary forest is, however, low and falling, while large tracts of forest are highly degraded and forest planting rates remain low in most countries.

Stories are a primary means through which we gain understanding. This publication provides an evocative re-telling of personal experiences and reflections enabling better comprehension of the struggles, dramas and tragedies associated with the changes and loss of Philippine forests.