The 2022 Forest Declaration Assessment provides valuable insight into the rates of deforestation worldwide, as well as the commitments made by countries to halt and reverse them. Whilst a modest decline was observed last year, the overall picture is still alarming. This article presents an overview of the Assessment findings, including key contributors to deforestation, areas of significant tree cover growth, and recommendations for future action.
The Current State of Deforestation
According to the Assessment, global deforestation rates only fell by 6.3% in 2021 compared to the 2018-20 baseline. Despite commendable afforestation and restoration efforts, more forest area is being lost than gained. To be on course to halt deforestation completely by 2030, a 10% annual reduction is needed. However, not a single global indicator is on track to achieve this goal.
Major Contributors to Deforestation
Brazil was the world’s largest contributor to deforestation in 2021, marking a 3% rise in its deforestation rate from the previous 2018-20 baseline. Although the increase didn’t appear substantial, its total yearly deforestation rates remained high, rendering it the world’s largest contributor. Furthermore, Bolivia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced deforestation rates of 6% and 3%, respectively.
Positive Takeaways: Increase in Tree Cover
On a positive note, global tree cover increased by 130.9 million hectares over the past two decades. This substantial gain was mainly concentrated in 13 countries, with Russia, Canada, the United States, Brazil, and China making the most significant improvements. China had the largest net gain in tree cover — 2.1 million hectares (Mha). India also made strides with a gain of 0.87 Mha in tree cover.
Reduction in Deforestation: Success Stories
Some countries achieved noteworthy reductions in deforestation. Gabon, for instance, reduced its deforestation rate by 28% in 2021 compared to the 2018-20 period through combating illegal logging and enforcing protected areas. Indonesia also made progress, thanks to its forest moratorium and improved enforcement measures. Similarly, Brazil’s decline in deforestation rates from 2004 to 2012 was linked to a concerted action plan for protecting the Amazon.
Recent Legal Interventions
In recent times, legal measures have been taken in various parts of the world to curb deforestation. For example, in 2021 Ecuador’s constitutional court upheld the rights of nature entrenched in the country’s constitution.
Recommendations for the Future
The Forest Declaration Assessment emphasises that tree cover gain does not cancel out tree loss. Therefore, the focus should be on sparing primary forests from losses in the first place. To halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, forest finance needs to be ramped up substantially, potentially requiring up to USD 460 billion per year at a global level.
Understanding Deforestation
Deforestation refers to the permanent clearing of forest lands for non-forest use such as agriculture, grazing, or using timber for fuel, construction, or manufacturing. Predominantly occurring in the tropics today, it can affect regional rainfall patterns, produce greenhouse gas emissions, and cause biodiversity loss.
Indian Initiatives against Deforestation
India has undertaken several initiatives to combat deforestation, such as the Indian Forest Policy, 1952, the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the National Afforestation Programme. Other measures include the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Biodiversity Diversity Act of 2002, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.