Global Forest Resources Assessment

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization
Year: Ongoing (latest global dataset)
Type: Global Assessment Report

The Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), produced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), provides the most comprehensive global dataset on forest extent, condition, and land-use change. Drawing on official national reports from nearly every country, the FRA offers a long-term perspective on how forests are changing worldwide.

The assessment shows that millions of hectares of forest are lost each year, primarily due to deforestation driven by agricultural expansion. Forest land is frequently converted into pasture for livestock or used to grow crops for food and feed, making agriculture the dominant driver of global forest loss.

The report distinguishes between deforestation and other forms of tree cover loss. Deforestation refers specifically to the permanent conversion of forest land into other uses, such as agriculture or infrastructure. This distinction is critical for understanding the long-term impact of land-use decisions.

In addition to tracking forest loss, the FRA provides data on forest management, conservation efforts, and reforestation trends. These insights help policymakers and organizations evaluate progress toward environmental goals, including climate mitigation and biodiversity protection.

The report highlights that while some regions have made progress in reducing deforestation, global forest loss continues to be a significant concern. Addressing this challenge requires both improved land management practices and changes in consumption patterns that reduce demand for land-intensive products.

For The Ark of Compassion, this report reinforces a key insight: agriculture-driven land-use change remains the primary force behind global deforestation, underscoring the importance of sustainable food systems in protecting forests.