For the last two decades the loss of, in particular, tropical rainforest has alarmed the public in the developed parts of the world. The debate has been characterised by a lack of understand- ing of the causes and effects of the process, leading to the prevailing reaction being unquali- fied condemnation. Such attitude has even been observed among scientists, claiming suprem- acy to biodiversity conservation. Many scientific analyses are available, but the basis for so- ber debates and appropriate actions is still highly insufficient. Two recent international initia- tives will hopefully...