UNFF21 reveals urgent gaps in global forest conservation efforts

The 21st Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) recently took place at UN Headquarters in New York. Delegates gathered to address urgent challenges facing global forests, from deforestation to climate threats. The meeting highlighted both progress and ongoing struggles in meeting international forest targets. Forests remain under severe pressure from land-use changes, wildfires, pests, and illegal logging. Between 2015 and 2025, over 40 million hectares of forest disappeared worldwide. Despite these losses, only seven of the 26 forest-related targets have been broadly achieved.

The UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 sets out six Global Forest Goals to align with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Primary forests, in particular, are now recognised as vital carbon sinks, biodiversity strongholds, and regulators of freshwater supplies. Yet funding for sustainable forest management still falls far short of requirements. The UN Forum on Forests has established key initiatives, including the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) and the first UN Forest Instrument. Our website, as a CPF member, continues to support these efforts. The focus remains on advancing primary forest conservation and restoration to strengthen climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and secure water supplies.

The UNFF21 session underscored both the importance of forests and the gaps in current efforts. With millions of hectares lost and funding shortages persisting, the push for stronger conservation measures continues. The collaboration between UNFF, CPF, and partners aims to accelerate progress toward the Global Forest Goals by 2030.