As the world celebrates International Day of Forests on March 21, 2025, with the theme “Forests and Food,” the urgent crisis of deforestation continues to threaten global food security. This article explores how forest degradation impacts food availability, highlighting the critical need for conservation and sustainable management to secure future food resources.
Loss of Forests and Its Impact on Global Food Security
Forests are integral to maintaining climate stability and supporting food systems worldwide. According to Forests News, the world lost 5.4 – 6.4 million hectares of forest in 2024 alone, disrupting food production reliant on stable climates, pollinators, and healthy soils. According to the United Nations Global Forest Goals Report, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for food, shelter, medicine, and income. Additionally, forests regulate the effects of climate change by absorbing one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring their environmental significance.
Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, mining, and logging, exacerbates food insecurity. According to Global Canopy, in Indonesia, palm oil production is a leading cause of deforestation. Bolivia experienced a 351% increase in forest loss between 2015 and 2023 due to agricultural expansion, while illegal logging and wildfires continue to threaten the Amazon despite Brazil’s efforts to reduce deforestation by 61% in 2023.
Effects of the Degradation of Forests
Deforestation leads to soil degradation, which negatively impacts agricultural yields. Forests enhance soil fertility by preventing erosion and maintaining organic matter. According to the FAO, 33% of global soil is already degraded, with deforestation accelerating this trend. Farmers in affected regions rely on costly fertilizers, exacerbating environmental and economic challenges.
Forests regulate the hydrological cycle, influencing rainfall and water availability. Deforestation disrupts precipitation patterns, leading to droughts that impact food production, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central America. Additionally, forests provide habitat for 80% of terrestrial species, including pollinators essential for fertilizing 75% of global crops, according to a 2025 World Health Organization report. The loss of pollinators threatens food diversity and economic stability.
Strengthening Conservation of Forests for Food Security
Strengthening conservation policies is essential to combat food insecurity. The United Nations’ Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) focuses on preventing and reversing ecosystem degradation. The Forest and Landscape Restoration approach emphasizes avoiding degradation, reducing damage, and restoring degraded land to ensure long-term food security. Protecting forests is crucial for global food security. Conservation policies, sustainable agricultural practices, and responsible consumer behavior can help mitigate the negative effects of deforestation on food systems. For further insights on forests and climate resilience, stay tuned for Article 2: Forests, Climate Resilience, and Sustainable Agriculture.