PRINCE Charles was today urging people in Wales to help protect two million hectares of rainforest during his visit to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales.

The Size of Wales Rainforest Project encourages groups, businesses and individuals to protect an area of African rainforest the equivalent size of Wales by donating money to conservation projects, or even volunteering on them.

The prince is currently on a whistle-stop tour of Britain to promote a new initiative called START, which explains how people can live their lives more sustainably.

"An area the size of Wales is frequently used to measure the rate of forest destruction around the world," said Size of Wales project manager, Hannah Scrase.

'This project turns the negative use of our nation's size on its head. By protecting two million hectares of rainforest, we hope to make lasting links with forest projects in Africa."

The scheme is being managed by umbrella group the WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), with funding from Waterloo Foundation, which runs forest projects overseas.

First Minister Carwyn Jones pledged his support to the project. "I am delighted to see that Wales is leading the way in the fight against forest destruction and climate change.

"This vitally important work builds on the strong links we have already made through our Wales for Africa scheme."

www.sizeofwales.org.uk

www.startuk.org