Over one-fourth of Asia’s forests were in legally established protected areas as of 2024

  • Asia leads globally with 26% of its forests in legally protected areas.
  • The global average stands at 20%, meaning that one-fifth of all forests are under some form of legal protection.
  • Africa and Europe are tied at 23%, both above the global average.
  • South America has only 17% of its forests protected, despite being home to the Amazon rainforest.

The latest Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 by the UN FAO shows that Asia leads the world in forest protection, with 26% of its forests now in legally established protected areas.

This means over one-fourth of Asia’s forest lands are safeguarded by conservation laws, reflecting efforts to balance development with environmental protection.

Globally, an average of 20% of all forests are legally protected, underscoring awareness of the critical role forests play in maintaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Source:

Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025., UN FAO

Period:

2024
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