The Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020) report, recently released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has revealed a decline in the rate of forest loss from 1990 to 2020. This important document relies on data from over 60 forest-related variables across 236 countries and territories within this specific period.
The World’s Total Forest Area
As per the FRA 2020 report, the global forest area totals approximately 4.06 billion hectares, which equates to 31% of the world’s total land area. Each individual in the world has an average of 0.52 hectares of forest. Major contributors are the Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America, and China. These nations collectively account for more than 54% of the world’s forests.
Assessing Forest Loss
Despite the extensive global forest coverage, our planet has experienced a significant loss. Since 1990, the world has seen a dip of 178 million hectares of forest, comparable to the size of Libya. However, it’s not all negative, as the rate of net forest loss has significantly decreased from 1990–2020. Records show an annual loss of 7.8 million hectares during 1990–2000, which fell to 5.2 million hectares in 2000–2010 and further declined to 4.7 million hectares per year in the following decade.
Geographical Discrepancies in Forest Loss and Gain
Regional differences are evident in the pattern of forest loss and gain. Africa endured the largest annual rate of net forest loss from 2010–2020, losing 3.9 million hectares annually. South America was next with an annual net forest loss of 2.6 million hectares. On the other hand, Asia witnessed the highest net gain of forest area, followed by Oceania and Europe, with the latter two regions experiencing net losses in the preceding decades.
Varying Types of Forest Loss
The types of forests lost vary across different regions. The largest proportion of the world’s forests are tropical (45%), followed by boreal, temperate, and subtropical forests. Despite an overall decrease in naturally regenerating forest areas since 1990, the area of planted forests has seen an increase. Current plantation forest cover stands at 131 million hectares, which is about 3% of the global forest area. South America hosts the majority of plantation forests, while Europe has the least.
Protected Forest Areas Worldwide
The total area of protected forests globally is estimated to be around 726 million hectares. South America contains the most significant share of forests in protected areas at 31%. Overall, protected areas have increased by 191 million hectares since 1990.
Understanding the Global Forest Resources Assessment
FRA plays a crucial role in providing a comprehensive view of the world’s forests and the ways in which the resource is changing. It aids in creating informed policies, practices and investments affecting forests and forestry.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization is an agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger. Along with serving as a knowledge base, FAO helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, thereby ensuring good nutrition and food security. Established on the 16th of October 1945, its headquarters are based in Rome, Italy.