The estimates for global deforestation have been revised down once again. A new, comprehensive and global satellite survey by the FAO indicates that total forest loss over the past 15 years is 32 per cent lower than previously thought.
The new data was released at the UNFCCC meeting in Durban, but with little fanfare. It seems the FAO decided not to highlight the result. The key point is that where the FAO’s Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), its previous regular assessment of global forest cover, reported forest loss of 107 million ha between 1990 and 2005, the new survey reports a loss of 73 million ha for the same period.
The difference in the result comes from the methodology used. The FRA uses compilations of data that is reported by individual countries. While the data is harmonized, the on-ground data collection has large margins of error.
The new survey relies entirely upon satellite remote sensing and gives a consistent, real-time picture for the 15-year period.
Regionally, only Asia reported net gains in forest area during the period – the result of reforestation in China, Vietnam and India. All other areas – including Europe and North/Central America – reported net losses.
Losses typically occurred in tropical forests, rather than temperate or boreal forests. This is not surprising given that almost half of the world’s forests are in tropical areas, and that tropical areas are generally experiencing the greatest population growth.
It was expected that the assessment would release its final results this year. However, it is likely it will appear some time in 2012.
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