In a recent assessment by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it has been revealed that nearly 500 million hectares (ha) of forest—an area roughly equivalent to 750 million football pitches—have disappeared since 1990. This significant loss is a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face, yet there is a glimmer of hope: the rate of deforestation has been slowing down across every region of the world in the past decade.
Findings
Deforestation is defined as the removal of forests and their conversion to other uses, such as urban development or wasteland. The FAO’s findings, published in their latest forest assessment report, show a positive trend in forest conservation efforts. Over the past ten years, the world has lost approximately 10.9 million hectares of forest annually. This is a marked improvement from the previous decade’s 13.6 million hectares and the 17.6 million hectares lost each year before that.
The FAO’s forest assessment report, released every five years, provides a detailed analysis of global and regional forest trends. The data for the report is gathered through advanced remote sensing technology, which involves the use of satellite imagery and other techniques, as well as information provided by individual countries. This assessment is crucial for monitoring the progress of nations in relation to the UN treaties and frameworks they have committed to, particularly those aimed at addressing climate change, such as the Paris Agreement.
Ownership
According to the report, one-fifth of the world’s forests are now located within legally protected areas, marking an increase of 251 million hectares of protected forest since 1990. Asia leads the way with 26 percent of its forests under protection. Moreover, over half of the world’s forests are actively managed. This management encompasses a variety of uses, from timber, fiber, and bioenergy production to soil and water protection, biodiversity conservation, and even tourism. In Europe, an impressive 94 percent of forests are managed lands.
Ownership of these vital ecosystems is predominantly public, with 71 percent of the world’s forests under state control as of 2020. However, there is a notable recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ rights, particularly in North and Central America, where they own 41.6 million hectares of forest.
We still have work to do
Despite the progress in slowing deforestation, forests continue to face threats from fires, insects, and diseases. The FAO previously highlighted the heightened risk of wildfires and pest infestations due to climate change. Currently, fires impact an average of 261 million hectares annually, with nearly half of this area being forested. Additionally, 41 million hectares of forests were damaged by insects, diseases, and severe weather events in 2020 alone.
To further bolster the global efforts in monitoring and safeguarding forests, the FAO will host a special Forest Pavilion during the upcoming COP30 UN climate conference in Brazil next month. The pavilion aims to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest development, reflecting the international community’s commitment to protecting these crucial ecosystems.
Qu Dongyu, the FAO’s director-general, emphasized the importance of these assessments, stating that the data not only informs the global community about the status and changes in forests but also supports decisions, policies, and investments related to forest management and the ecosystem services they provide. The slowing rate of deforestation is a testament to the collective efforts of nations worldwide, yet it underscores the need for continued vigilance and sustainable practices to ensure the preservation of our forests for future generations.
Source: UN
