Forest Declaration Assessment 2025

On 13th October 2025, the Forest Declaration Assessment 2025 report highlighted that global deforestation continues at an alarming rate, despite international pledges to halt forest loss by 2030.

Key Points

Global Deforestation Trends: In 2024, 8.1 million hectares of forest were lost, with tropical forests accounting for 6.73 million hectares. Clearance for permanent agriculture caused about 86% of deforestation over the past decade.
Missed Targets: Countries are 63% off track to meet COP26 pledges to stop deforestation and restore degraded ecosystems, having restored only 10.6 million hectares, about 5.4% of global reforestation potential.
Financial Imbalance: International public finance for forests increased to $5.7 billion (2022–2024), yet this is only 1.4% of the $409 billion spent annually on agricultural subsidies that drive forest loss. Achieving 2030 goals requires $117–$299 billion.
Financial Institutions Lag: Only 40% of institutions exposed to commodity-driven deforestation risks have policies addressing deforestation in their investments.
Land Rights and Governance Issues: Weak enforcement, insecure land rights, and limited participation of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and women undermine forest conservation.