FAO report warns of forest loss as global restoration efforts struggle

The FAO State of the World’s Forests 2026 report reveals that between 1990 and 2025, the planet lost 489 million hectares of forest to deforestation, while restoration efforts cover 206.5 million hectares. The report emphasizes that effective reforestation requires more than just planting trees; it necessitates restoring entire landscapes, including soil, water, and biodiversity. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu warned that the window for action is narrowing, noting that poorly designed or delayed restoration will increase long-term costs. Degraded ecosystems are estimated to cost the global economy between $878 billion and $6.3 trillion annually.

In Italy, the sixth Forest Atlas report shows that 3.7 million trees were planted in 2025, a 17% increase from the previous year. These plantings cover over 5,300 hectares and are estimated to generate approximately €28 million annually in ecosystem services. Metropolitan cities in Italy significantly increased their contributions due to PNRR funds. Regionally, Trentino-Alto Adige led in plantings, followed by Sicily and Lombardy. While private sector investment in reforestation showed signs of recovery, the report noted significant regional disparities in forest policy funding.