The rate of deforestation is showing signs of slowing down due to the impact of reforestation efforts and the development of natural forests, according to the latest statistics.
However, forests around the world are still being destroyed at an alarming rate, as detailed in a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The total damage figures take into account the growth of forest areas from new plantations and the development of natural forests.
Over the past five years, an average of 7.3 million hectares of forest has been lost annually. This figure is lower than the 8.9 million hectares lost per year during the period from 1990 to 2000.
Mette Loyche Wilkie, coordinator of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005 program at the FAO, stated:
“The ongoing destruction of forests continues at an alarming level, but thanks to efforts in reforestation, land restoration, and the development of natural forests in some areas, the total damage has slightly decreased.”
Ms. Wilkie noted that deforestation, primarily for the conversion of forest land to agricultural land, continues at a rate of approximately 13 million hectares per year.
