Tropical forest losses fall sharply after major conservation efforts

Brazil reduced the loss of tropical rainforest tree cover by 42% in 2025, helping drive a significant global decline in deforestation and supporting efforts to protect biodiversity and tackle climate change.

“Brazil reduced non-fire-related losses by 41 per cent compared to 2024, reaching the lowest level since records began in 2001,” said Elizabeth Goldman, co-director of Global Forest Watch.

Brazil lost 1.6 million hectares of tropical rainforest tree cover in 2025, down from the previous year, while global tropical forest loss fell by 35% to 4.3 million hectares. Researchers said coordinated action involving government agencies, civil society, local communities, and the private sector contributed to the improvement. States including Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and Acre recorded some of the largest reductions. At the same time, initiatives such as protecting standing forests, expanding sustainable production on already-cleared land, and introducing environmental incentives strengthened conservation efforts.