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The main cause of forest conversion is the growing demand for land, to produce agricultural commodities and mineral resources, or for infrastructure and urbanisation. There is significant evidence that agriculture is the main driver of deforestation in the tropics. In recent years, forest conversion has increased in West and Central Africa, although few laws on forestry and land tenure have been updated accordingly. ClientEarth is reviewing legal frameworks governing forest conversion across the region and internationally, to understand major risks stemming from incomplete laws and to suggest legal means to address them.