Global Forest Loss Declines by Over One-Third in 2024-25, But Still Far Above 2030 Targets

The latest edition of the Global Forest Review reveals a significant decline in tropical primary forest loss, with a reduction of more than one-third from 2024 to 2025. Primary forests, defined as those relatively undisturbed by human activity, saw their loss decrease sharply. However, the World Resources Institute, which co-produced the report, emphasized that current deforestation rates remain 46% higher than a decade ago.

The decline in forest loss was largely attributed to a decrease in extreme fires compared to the previous year, which had set a record for fire-related deforestation. Despite this progress, experts warn that the world is still far from meeting international targets to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030.

Deforestation Declines in Key Countries, Driven by Collaborative Efforts

Brazil Sees 42% Drop in Deforestation

Brazil, which experienced the largest area of forest loss, reported a 42% reduction in deforestation compared to the previous year, according to Agência Brasil. This achievement was made possible through a governmental task force that included civil society, academia, local communities, and the private sector.

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Colombia Make Progress

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Colombia, improvements in deforestation rates were linked to better governance, recognition of Indigenous land rights, and corporate commitments to deforestation-free production, as reported by EnviroNews Nigeria.

EU Deforestation Law Weakened Amid Industry Pressure

Leather Excluded from EU Anti-Deforestation Law

Following pressure from industry groups, the European Commission decided to exclude leather imports from its anti-deforestation law, according to Reuters. Industry groups argued that leather, a by-product of the meat industry, does not directly incentivize cattle farming, which is a major driver of deforestation. However, imported beef remains covered by the law.

UK Lawmakers Call for Action on Illegal Deforestation Imports

A group of UK Parliament members released an open letter urging the implementation of long-overdue regulations to end UK imports linked to illegal deforestation. The forest-risk regulation, introduced in 2021 as part of the Environment Act, has faced delays in implementation over the past four years, as noted by a Mongabay report from 2024.

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Enters Provisional Phase

The EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which has been under negotiation for 25 years, provisionally came into force on 1 May 2026, according to Euractiv. The agreement’s application is provisional because members of the European Parliament referred the deal to the European Court of Justice for a legal review in January 2026.

Investigation Reveals Destruction of Orangutan Habitat for ‘Carbon-Neutral’ Packaging

An investigation by Agence France-Presse and the Gecko Project uncovered that Asia Symbol, a China-based pulp and paper company, cleared vast tracts of Indonesian rainforest—home to endangered orangutans—to establish plantations supplying a maker of ‘carbon-neutral’ packaging.