State of the World’s Forests 2026: Focus on Forest and Landscape Restoration
The FAO’s State of the World’s Forests 2026 examines forest and landscape restoration, global land degradation, India’s contribution, and strategies for sustainable development.
State of the World’s Forests 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released the State of the World’s Forests 2026 report, titled “Restoring Forests and Landscapes—The Way Forward for a Sustainable Future.” The biennial report examines how forest and landscape restoration can address environmental degradation and support sustainable development.
Key findings:
Global degradation: More than 460 million hectares of forests and approximately 1.56 billion hectares of land are degraded worldwide. Major drivers include climate change, population growth, urbanisation, infrastructure development and changing land use.
Regional distribution: Data for 2019 indicate that degraded land covered approximately 583 million hectares in Asia, 334 million hectares in Africa and 245 million hectares in South America.
Restoration target: Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to bring at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems under effective restoration by 2030. The report highlights the need to accelerate restoration efforts.
India’s contribution: India ranks second among countries reported for restoration area, with 18.9 million hectares, after China’s 127.4 million hectares.
Economic benefits: Under favourable conditions, restoration can generate returns of up to US$30 for every US$1 invested. Actual returns vary according to location, intervention and time horizon.
The report identifies four pathways for accelerating restoration: empowering local people and strengthening rights; planning restoration at the landscape scale; mobilising finance and suitable business models; and developing coherent policies, institutions and legal frameworks.
Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025
According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, the world has approximately 4.14 billion hectares of forest, covering around 32% of its land area. Global deforestation declined to an estimated 10.9 million hectares annually during 2015–2025, but the rate remains substantial. India ranks ninth globally in total forest area, with approximately 72.74 million hectares, and third in annual forest area gain, according to the Indian Express report.
The findings underline that restoration must go beyond planting trees. It should rebuild ecosystem functions, conserve biodiversity, improve soil and water security, support local livelihoods and involve Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Effective monitoring should measure ecological outcomes, not merely the area restored.
MCQ English
Q. Consider the following statements about the State of the World’s Forests 2026 report:
It is published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
India ranks second among countries reported for restoration area.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes a target to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 1 and 3 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (D)
Explanation: FAO publishes the report. India is reported to have 18.9 million hectares under restoration, ranking second after China. Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to bring at least 30% of degraded ecosystems under effective restoration by 2030.