The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recently released its Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025, providing a comprehensive evaluation of global forest resources. Conducted every five years, these assessments offer the most transparent and authoritative data on the status, management, and utilisation of forests worldwide. For UPSC aspirants, this report is particularly significant, as it highlights global trends, India’s forest achievements, and ongoing environmental initiatives crucial for current affairs and general studies preparation.
Global Forest Cover: An Overview
According to the FAO report, the world currently possesses 4.14 billion hectares of forest, accounting for 32% of total land area. This equates to roughly 0.50 hectares of forest per person. Although the rate of deforestation has shown signs of decline, it remains alarmingly high at approximately 10.9 million hectares per year during 2015–2025. This underscores the ongoing challenges of forest management, sustainable utilisation, and climate change mitigation on a global scale.
The countries with the largest forest areas remain Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and China. However, the report highlights a concerning trend: the annual rate of forest loss globally has increased. Between 2000 and 2015, forest loss averaged 3.68 million hectares per year. This figure rose to 4.12 million hectares in the 2015–2025 period due to reductions in net forest gains in countries such as China, Canada, and the United States.
Disparities in forest distribution are stark. Seven territories, including the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Holy See, Monaco, Nauru, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, and Tokelau, report no forest cover. Furthermore, 49 countries have less than 10% of their land under forests, highlighting the unequal availability of forest resources globally.
India’s Forest Progress
India has made notable progress in expanding its forest cover. Between 2015 and 2025, India recorded an annual net increase of 191,000 hectares, securing the third rank globally for net annual forest gains. China and Russia lead in absolute annual forest area gains, while Brazil, Angola, and Tanzania report the highest net annual forest losses.
Currently, India’s forest area totals 72,739 hectares, representing 2% of the world’s forests, positioning it just above Peru in global rankings. In comparison, India was ranked 10th in the 2015 assessment. This improvement is largely driven by large-scale plantation programs, particularly of species like bamboo and rubber, which contribute significantly to afforestation and ecological restoration.
The FAO also publishes the State of the World’s Forests report biennially. According to the 2024 edition, India gained 266,000 hectares of forest annually between 2010 and 2020, reinforcing its position among the top countries globally in forest cover gains.
Global Forest Statistics
| Rank | Country | Forest Area (1,000 ha) | Percentage of World Forest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 832,630 | 20% |
| 2 | Brazil | 486,087 | 12% |
| 3 | Canada | 368,819 | 9% |
| 4 | United States | 308,895 | 7% |
| 5 | China | 227,153 | 5% |
| 6 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 139,189 | 3% |
| 7 | Australia | 133,562 | 3% |
| 8 | Indonesia | 95,969 | 2% |
| 9 | India | 72,738 | 2% |
| 10 | Peru | 67,160 | 2% |
Importance of Forests
Forests play a critical role in sustaining life and ecological balance. Their benefits include:
- Water Security: Forests recharge aquifers and filter pollutants from rainfall, ensuring safe drinking water.
- Soil and Disaster Management: Tree roots prevent landslides, reduce flooding, and coastal mangroves buffer storm surges.
- Food Security: Forests support agriculture, pollinators, and provide wild edible plants and animals.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Forests harbour more than 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, including amphibians and birds. Tropical rainforests contain over half the world’s vertebrate species.
- Climate Regulation: Forests are major carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change.
Green India Mission (GIM): Beyond the Nugget
The Green India Mission, part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, was launched in 2014 to enhance forest cover and restore degraded ecosystems. Key objectives include:
- Increasing and restoring forest cover in the Aravalli ranges, Western Ghats, Himalayas, and mangroves.
- Facilitating tree plantation and afforestation across 11.22 million hectares between 2015-16 and 2020-21 through central and state initiatives.
- Creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030, contributing to India’s international climate commitments.
- Restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, supported by allied projects such as the Green Wall project.
For UPSC aspirants, the FAO report and Green India Mission are essential topics for Environment and Ecology, GS Paper 3, and Current Affairs sections. Understanding the nuances of forest management, biodiversity, climate mitigation strategies, and India’s role in global forestry initiatives is crucial for scoring high in examinations.
The FAO’s GFRA 2025 report emphasises both global challenges and India’s achievements in forest conservation. With continued afforestation efforts, strategic policy implementation, and international collaboration, India is well-positioned to contribute significantly to global forest sustainability goals. UPSC aspirants should note India’s forest cover gains, the Green India Mission objectives, and global forestry trends, as these insights are highly relevant for both mains and interview preparation.
Also Read: Top 5 Gen Z Billionaires Who Are Changing the Face of Wealth in 2025
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
Over the years, I have developed a keen ability to analyze matches, players, and sports trends, turning raw information into reader-friendly narratives that spark conversation and build engagement. My work balances insightful analysis with entertainment value, making it appealing to both casual fans and dedicated sports enthusiasts.
I specialize in:
- Fantasy Sports Analysis
- Sports News & Updates
- Feature Writing
- Long-form storytelling & feature writing
- Entertainment, lifestyle, and sports culture content
With a blend of creativity and credibility, I aim to be a reliable voice in sports content, contributing to the growth of platforms while engaging a diverse global audience. My goal is to inspire, inform, and entertain through every piece I write.
