Global deforestation has slowed across all regions in the past decade, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 (FRA 2025) released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Unveiled at the Global Forest Observations Initiative (GFOI) Plenary in Bali, Indonesia, the report highlights both encouraging progress and lingering challenges for global forest ecosystems.
FAO Director‑General QU Dongyu described the assessment as the “most transparent and comprehensive global evaluation of the world’s forest resources”, citing its role in guiding data‑driven policies and investments for sustainable land management.
Forests Still Cover One‑Third of the Planet
According to FRA 2025, forests now cover 4.14 billion hectares, representing roughly 32% of Earth’s land area, or 0.5 hectares per person. Nearly half of these forests are located in the tropics, where biodiversity remains the highest.
Forests continue to play a core role in regulating the carbon and water cycles, supporting livelihoods, and providing food, energy, and renewable materials. They also act as natural barriers against soil erosion, desertification, droughts, and floods, emphasizing their central role in climate resilience.
Encouraging Decline in Global Forest Loss
The rate of global forest loss has decreased markedly since the 1990s. The annual net loss of forest area fell from 10.7 million hectares per year in the 1990s to 4.12 million hectares annually between 2015 and 2025.
Deforestation currently averages 10.9 million hectares per year, down from 17.6 million hectares during the 1990–2000 period. However, the global rate remains “too high” for sustainability goals, the report warns. Simultaneously, forest expansion — driven by reforestation and restoration — has slowed, dropping from 9.88 million hectares annually in 2000–2015 to 6.78 million in 2015–2025, suggesting a stabilization in forest cover dynamics.
Composition and Types of Forests
Naturally Regenerating Forests make up 92% (3.83 billion hectares) of global forest area but have declined by 324 million hectares since 1990. The pace of decline, however, has slowed considerably in the last decade. Africa and South America experienced the sharpest losses, while Europe registered modest increases through natural regrowth and sustainable forest management.
Primary Forests, vital for biodiversity and climate regulation, occupy about 1.18 billion hectares, roughly one‑third of the total forest area. Although losses continue, the reduction rate has halved compared to the early 2000s.
Planted Forests now account for 8% (312 million hectares) of total forest area. Their expansion continues across regions, though at a slower pace, providing renewable timber and carbon sequestration benefits.
Biomass, Carbon, and Ecosystem Contributions
The world’s forest growing stock is estimated at 630 billion cubic metres, and global forest carbon storage has climbed to 714 gigatonnes. This growth underscores forests’ irreplaceable value as “natural carbon sinks” in the fight against global warming.
Forest ecosystems collectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, regulate microclimates, and provide essential ecological services across terrestrial landscapes.
More Forests Under Protection and Management
A key success of the past three decades has been expanding protection and formal management coverage. About 20% of global forest area (813 million hectares) now lies within legally established protected areas, representing a rise of 251 million hectares since 1990.
Additionally, more than 55% of forests (2.13 billion hectares) are managed under long-term management plans — an increase of 365 million hectares since 1990 — reflecting stronger policy frameworks and governance efforts.
FAO experts note that the trend reflects growing awareness among countries about forest‑related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 15.2.1 on progress toward sustainable forest management.
Persistent Threats: Disturbances and Climate Extremes
Despite improvements, global forests continue to experience widespread damage from wildfires, insect infestations, and extreme weather.
An average of 261 million hectares of land burns annually, roughly half of which is forested. Pests and diseases damaged 41 million hectares of forests in 2020 alone, primarily across temperate and boreal regions. FAO researchers note that changing climate patterns, higher temperatures, and prolonged droughts are aggravating the frequency and scale of such disturbances.
Forest Ownership and Management Priorities
Globally, 71% of forests are publicly owned. Another 24% are privately held. The remaining 5% fall under mixed or undefined ownership structures.
Management objectives vary widely:
1.20 billion hectares (29%) are dedicated primarily to timber production.
616 million hectares are managed for multiple uses, including recreation and ecosystem services.
Other areas are designated for biodiversity conservation (482 million hectares). Some are designated for soil and water protection (386 million hectares). Others are designated for social or cultural benefits (221 million hectares).
Regional Highlights
Africa and South America remain global deforestation hot spots, despite marked improvements compared to previous decades.
Europe and Asia recorded modest forest gains due to natural regrowth, reforestation, and improved governance.
Oceania reported stable forest cover, supported by active monitoring and stricter land‑use policies.
Anssi Pekkarinen, Senior Forestry Officer at FAO, emphasized that countries must continue strengthening data transparency. Improving forestry governance is also crucial. Partnership-led solutions are needed to achieve net-zero deforestation ambitions.
Looking Ahead
The FRA 2025 findings will inform upcoming international negotiations. This includes the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Brazil. This conference is expected to focus on land‑use emissions and forest restoration.
FAO urges governments to scale up forest‑based climate solutions. They also encourage investment in agroforestry. Additionally, governments should support community‑led conservation. FAO notes that sustainable forests underpin progress toward climate, biodiversity, and food security goals.
While deforestation has slowed globally, the challenge of reversing forest degradation and ensuring equitable resource use remains. Sustained global collaboration, data transparency, and local action will be needed to maintain this fragile progress.
