12 May 2026 - Forests cover nearly one-third of our earth and sustain billions of lives. Yet, they’re disappearing rapidly, putting our natural world and economy at risk. The new Global Forest Goals Report 2026, launching this month, will reveal just how much ground we've lost and what it will take to turn the tide before 2030. We spoke with UN DESA’s expert Shyam Paudel about the report and what we can do to reverse course.
What is the state of the world's forests today?
“Today, the world’s forests cover about 4.14 billion hectares, around 32 per cent of Earth’s land area, including 1.18 billion hectares of primary forests with high ecological value. Forests are vital for economies and livelihoods: 1.6 billion people depend on them, and the formal forest economy is worth about US$1.5 trillion annually. Forests also harbour most terrestrial biodiversity, store carbon, regulate water, support climate adaptation, and contribute to land restoration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Despite progress in some regions, global forests remain under pressure. Between 2015 and 2025, gross forest loss averaged 10.9 million hectares per year, while net forest loss reached 4.12 million hectares annually. The largest declines occurred in South America and Africa, and about 16 million hectares of primary forests were lost during the decade. Forest degradation from fires, pests, climate change, and unsustainable use continues to reduce forest health and resilience. Conservation and sustainable management are expanding. Around 813 million hectares (20 per cent) of forests are legally protected, and 2.13 billion hectares (over 55 per cent) are under long-term management plans, though regional disparities remain significant.”
How is the UN Forum on Forests working to make a difference and what is UN DESA's role in these efforts?
“The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is the main global intergovernmental platform dedicated to forests, bringing countries together to advance the conservation, restoration, and sustainable forest management. The Forum shapes international forest policy and promotes collective action to address deforestation, forest degradation, biodiversity loss, and financing gaps. One of its key milestones was the adoption of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 (UNSPF), which includes six Global Forest Goals and 26 targets that serves as the global framework to reverse forest loss, expand forest benefits, and contribute to the SDGs.
UN DESA, through the UNFF Secretariat, supports Member States in strengthening forest governance, developing national strategies, building capacity for implementation of the UNSPF, and mobilizing resources through the Global Forest Financing Facilitation Network.
In addition, UNFF promotes cooperation among international partners through the Collaborative Partnership on Forests to strengthen the synergy and policy coherence on forests, climate, biodiversity, livelihoods and other relevant sectors. It also supports forest financing by helping countries through capacity-building in accessing funds."
The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 will be launched on 11 May. What can we expect to learn from the report and its findings?
“The Global Forest Goals Report 2026, to be launched on 11 May, will provide the most comprehensive assessment to date of global progress toward achieving the six Global Forest Goals and 26 targets under the UNSPF 2017–2030. It will review where the world stands on forests ahead of 2030, and how forests are contributing to sustainable development, climate action, biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, and resilient economies.
The report is expected to present key achievements at global, regional, and national levels, including progress in forest conservation, afforestation and reforestation, restoration of degraded lands, expansion of sustainable forest management practices, and the state of forest governance and policy frameworks, highlighting the examples of innovation, partnerships, community leadership.
Importantly, the report is expected to identify pathways for accelerated action during the remaining years to 2030, including scaling up investment in forests, strengthening policy coherence across sectors, empowering local communities and Indigenous Peoples, improving forest monitoring and data systems, and integrating forests more fully into national development plans. It can also help shape the global forest agenda beyond 2030 by outlining priorities for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, and sustainable development.”
For people who want to contribute to healthy forests around the world, what everyday actions can they take to help support efforts?
“People who want to contribute to healthy forests around the world can make a real difference through everyday choices and community action. First, they can choose forest-based commodities such as timber, paper, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and rubber that are responsibly and sustainably sourced, helping reduce pressure on natural forests. Second, they can make forests part of everyday conversations with family, friends, schools, and communities, highlighting the vital role forests play in tackling planetary challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water security, and livelihoods. Raising awareness helps build a culture of stewardship. Third, they can support conservation and restoration efforts through donations, volunteering, tree-planting initiatives, or contributing to trusted organizations working on forest protection.
People can also reduce waste, recycle paper and wood products, lower their carbon footprint, support policies and leaders that prioritize forests, and choose eco-tourism that respects nature and local communities. Even small actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can have a powerful global impact.”
For more information: UN Forum on Forests
Read the Global Forest Goals Report 2026