UN report predicts continual decline of forests in Asia Pacific

Based on the most recent of FAO’s periodic forest sector outlook studies, the report examines the impacts that external factors such as demographic, economic, institutional and technological changes may have on forests. The summary of the section on Asia and the Pacific states:

“Considering the great diversity in Asia and the Pacific, several scenarios are expected to unfold. While forest area will stabilize and increase in most of the developed countries and some of the emerging economies, the low- and middle-income forest-rich countries will witness continuing declines as a result of expansion of agriculture, including the production of biofuel feedstock. Demand for wood and wood products will continue to increase in line with the growth in population and income. Growth in the demand for primary commodities owing to rapid industrialization of emerging economies is likely to result in forest conversion in other countries within and outside the region. While the region is a leader in planted forest development, it will continue to depend on wood from other regions, as land and water constraints will limit the scope for self-sufficiency in wood and wood products. The demand for forest environmental services will increase as incomes rise, and conservation involving local communities is likely to receive greater emphasis.”

To view the full report or a summary, visit the FAO’s website.