21.   On the contary, tropical rain forests and peat swamps should not be allowed to burn as the flames would destroy the forest.

22.   Officials said Sunday they would ask other countries to lend fire-fighting planes to help extinguish flames destroying virgin forests in the western Philippine province of Palawan.

23.   Officials say the practice has destroyed much forest and has contributed to the smoke and haze problem.

24.   They are also vaguely aware that destroying the forests raises the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.

25.   In particular, Indonesian forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate, often to create plantations of tropical timber trees.

26.   Officials have complained that miners have been destroying forests as well as causing problems with violent crimes, drugs, prostitution and gambling.