UN Report Highlights Slow Progress on Global Forest Goals Ahead of 2030
Global Forest Goals Report 2026
Photo: @SisyphusGoals/X
United Nations, May 12: A recent report from the United Nations indicates that the global community is lagging in achieving the Global Forest Goals set for 2030.
The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 reveals that out of 26 targets, only seven have been significantly met, while 17 are partially progressing, and two are not on track.
This assessment is based on voluntary national reports from 48 nations, which represent 51% of the world's forest area, alongside the latest international data. It provides an updated evaluation of the progress made under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 and its six Global Forest Goals.
The findings show a decline in global forest area, with over 40 million hectares lost between 2015 and 2025. Additionally, the report points out a significant lack of funding for sustainable forest management.
Despite these challenges, numerous countries have initiated policy reforms, enhanced forest restoration initiatives, improved governance, and fostered international collaboration for forest conservation.
However, progress is inconsistent across different regions. The report notes advancements in protected forest areas, long-term management strategies, and forest monitoring systems, but it also warns that deforestation, climate change, wildfires, pests, and illegal activities pose ongoing threats to forests globally.
To accelerate action, the report suggests several pathways, including stopping deforestation, rehabilitating degraded lands, increasing protected and sustainably managed forests, enhancing forest governance, addressing the financing gap for sustainable forest management, and promoting innovative financing solutions.
This report was unveiled during the opening of the 21st session of the UN Forum on Forests at UN Headquarters, where member states and partners convene to further the implementation of the Global Forest Goals.
The Global Forest Goals consist of six voluntary and universal targets outlined in the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030, aimed at halting deforestation, restoring degraded forests, and encouraging sustainable management practices. These goals, which target 2030, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aim to increase the global forest area by 3%, approximately 120 million hectares.