Executive summary

The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 provides a comprehensive assessment of progress towards the six Global Forest Goals (GFGs) and 26 associated targets established by the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030 (UNSPF). Based on voluntary national reports (VNRs) from 48 countries representing 51 per cent of the global forest area, the report finds that while most targets are moving in the right direction, greater ambition is needed. Of the 26 targets, seven are broadly met, 17 are partially achieved, and two remain off track (1.1 and 2.1).

Introduction

Forests are vital natural systems that serve as a bridge across climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development agendas. They sustain the livelihoods of billions and house the majority of terrestrial biodiversity. The UNSPF offers a coherent, long-term vision to reverse forest loss and enhance forest-based benefits. Since the 2021 report, global awareness has increased through initiatives such as the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. However, forests remain under threat from deforestation, rising temperatures, and economic uncertainty, necessitating strengthened political commitment and cross-sectoral governance.

Global forest goal 1

GFG 1 aims to reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management (SFM) and restoration. Progress towards this goal is mixed. Target 1.1 is off track, as the total forest area decreased by over 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025, with losses most pronounced in South America and Africa. Primary forest loss is particularly concerning, with 16 million hectares lost during this period. Conversely, Target 1.2 on carbon stocks is broadly met, although global stocks remain at risk from wildfires and drought. While 91 countries have made restoration commitments totalling 190 million hectares, only 44 million hectares have been restored to date, leaving Target 1.3 partially achieved.

Global forest goal 2

This goal focuses on enhancing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of forests to improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent people. Target 2.1 is off track; although global extreme poverty is falling, progress is uneven, and extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa remains close to 46 per cent. Target 2.2, regarding access for small-scale forest enterprises, is partially achieved, though challenges like land-tenure insecurity persist. Forests contribute significantly to food security (Target 2.3), providing dietary diversity and a safety net for rural communities. The formal forest economy is worth approximately US$1.5 trillion annually, employing around one per cent of the global workforce, yet Target 2.4 remains partially achieved due to difficulties in assessing the informal sector.

Global forest goal 3

GFG 3 seeks to significantly increase the area of protected and sustainably managed forests. Progress is generally good, though regional imbalances remain. Target 3.1 is broadly met, with 18.6 per cent of global forest area now in protected areas, although representation varies by ecosystem. Target 3.2 is also broadly met, as approximately 2.13 billion hectares of forest are covered by long-term management plans. Similarly, Target 3.3 is broadly met; the area of certified forests has grown to over 397 million hectares in 2024, though certification is heavily concentrated in Europe and North America.

Global forest goal 4

Mobilising resources for SFM is the focus of GFG 4. While progress is positive, financing still falls far short of global needs. Target 4.1 is partially achieved; global finance for SFM in 2023 was US$84 billion, well below the required US$300 billion per year by 2030. Private and philanthropic investment remains marginal, leaving Target 4.2 partially achieved. Target 4.5 is broadly met, with 52 per cent of reporting countries updating their National Forest Inventories since 2021, though significant data gaps persist in Africa and West Asia.

Global forest goal 5

GFG 5 focuses on promoting governance frameworks to implement SFM. Target 5.1 is broadly met, as most countries have integrated forests into their national sustainable development plans. However, Target 5.2 on law enforcement is partially achieved. INTERPOL estimates that forestry crime accounts for 15 to 30 per cent of the global timber trade, valued at US$51–152 billion annually. Illegal logging pressures remain high due to weak governance and criminal networks.

Global forest goal 6

This goal aims to enhance cooperation and coordination across sectors and stakeholders. Progress is positive, but persistent fragmentation remains a barrier. Target 6.4, regarding the common understanding of SFM, is broadly met. However, Target 6.5 is partially achieved, as stakeholder engagement is often restricted to consultation with limited influence over final decisions.

Conclusions and recommendations

The report concludes that while there has been solid progress, serious challenges remain. Key recommendations include accelerating progress in reversing deforestation, particularly for primary forests, and revitalising actions to eradicate poverty by improving market access and tenure rights. It is essential to identify and mobilise new, innovative sources of finance to close the current funding gap. Furthermore, the report suggests promoting policy coherence across sectors and establishing a streamlined process to assess the achievement of GFGs and their contribution to the SDGs by 2030.