A major new assessment titled Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2025, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, has reported a significant decline in global deforestation rates over the past three decades. According to the report, annual deforestation has fallen from 17.6 million hectares (Mha) during 1990–2000 to 10.9 Mha during 2015–2025. However, despite this progress, the world remains off-track to achieve the global goal of halting and reversing deforestation by 2030.
The FRA 2025 report highlights that approximately 489 million hectares of forests have been lost globally due to deforestation since 1990, with nearly 88% of this loss occurring in tropical regions. Although annual forest loss has steadily declined over successive decades, the current pace remains insufficient to meet international commitments such as the 2030 Deforestation Pledge.The decline in deforestation reflects stronger forest governance, afforestation initiatives, improved monitoring systems and greater international attention towards sustainable land-use practices. Nevertheless, continued conversion of forests for agriculture, infrastructure and resource extraction remains a major concern.
Significant regional disparities continue to characterize global forest loss.
South America continues to experience the highest annual forest loss globally. However, deforestation rates have reduced substantially from 8.2 Mha annually during 1990–2000 to 4.2 Mha annually during 2015–2025.
Asia witnessed one of the most notable declines in annual deforestation, reducing from 3.9 Mha to 2 Mha during the same period. Large-scale afforestation and forest restoration programmes have contributed significantly to this trend.
Europe remains the only region where annual deforestation has increased since 1990. Forest loss rose from 126,000 hectares annually during 1990–2000 to 145,000 hectares annually during 2015–2025, though overall levels remain comparatively low.
While deforestation continues, forests are also expanding in several countries through afforestation and natural regeneration.The report notes that:
| Period | Annual Net Forest Loss |
|---|---|
| 1990–2000 | 10.7 Mha |
| 2000–2015 | Declining Trend |
| 2015–2025 | 4.1 Mha |
This substantial reduction indicates that forest gains are increasingly offsetting losses in many regions.However, the annual rate of forest expansion has also slowed from 9.9 Mha per year (2000–2015) to 6.8 Mha per year (2015–2025), suggesting that restoration efforts require further acceleration.
Agricultural expansion continues to be the principal cause of deforestation worldwide. Forests are often cleared for crop cultivation, livestock grazing and plantation agriculture.
The report identifies wildfires as an increasingly significant driver of forest degradation and loss.Important observations include:
This reflects the growing interaction between climate change and forest degradation, creating a feedback loop that weakens global carbon sinks.
The report reveals considerable variation among countries.
These gains have largely resulted from large-scale afforestation and reforestation programmes.
Notably, Brazil's annual forest loss reduced significantly from 5.8 Mha (1990–2000) to 2.9 Mha (2015–2025), indicating improved forest management and enforcement measures.
The report highlights that:
Forests remain one of the world's most important carbon sinks.
The report underlines concerns that rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and ecosystem degradation could reduce forests' future capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Protected areas have emerged as a critical tool for forest conservation.
| Region | Share of Forests in Protected Areas |
|---|---|
| Asia | Highest (26%) |
| Europe | 23% |
| Other Regions | Lower but increasing |
Indonesia contributes significantly to Asia's high proportion of protected forests.
More than 90% of forests are protected in:
The report reinforces the central role of forests in addressing multiple global challenges:
Forests absorb substantial quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide and help moderate global warming.
Forests provide habitat for a significant proportion of the world's terrestrial biodiversity.
Healthy forests regulate hydrological cycles, improve soil stability and support ecosystem resilience.
Forest conservation contributes directly to:
Updated - 24 October 2025 | 02:21 PM | News Source: Carbon Brief