UN Calls for Urgent Action to Restore the World’s Forests

The world is facing a shrinking opportunity to restore forests that are vital for food security, biodiversity and climate resilience, according to a new report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The report, The State of the World’s Forests 2026, notes that more than 489 million hectares of forest have been cleared since 1990, while an even larger area has suffered degradation. Although governments and organisations have announced restoration commitments covering more than one billion hectares, only around one-fifth of this area is currently undergoing restoration. The FAO has therefore urged countries to make forest restoration a national priority.

Forests cover approximately 4.14 billion hectares, representing about one-third of the Earth’s land area. They store an estimated 714 gigatonnes of carbon and provide habitat for as much as 80 per cent of terrestrial biodiversity. Forest ecosystems also contribute to rainfall regulation and support the livelihoods of nearly one-third of the global population.

At the same time, forests are facing growing pressure from several directions. Around 127 million hectares are affected by fires each year, while insects, diseases and extreme weather events add to the damage. Agricultural expansion, pollution, climate change and extraction of natural resources are placing further strain on forest ecosystems.

The FAO report highlights forest and landscape restoration as a way to address several environmental and development challenges simultaneously. However, it points out that progress remains uneven and current efforts are not sufficient to meet increasing global needs.

The report calls for greater investment, stronger governance and sustained action to turn restoration commitments into measurable results.

29-10-2026