The status of Mediterranean forests 2025 - new FAO report
13/10/2025
Mediterranean forests face growing threats from human activity and climate change, according to The status of Mediterranean forests 2025 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). While total forest area in the region increased by 12 percent between 1990 and 2020, growth has slowed in recent years and remains uneven. Half of these forests, those unique to the Mediterranean climate, are especially vulnerable to wildfires and degradation.
The report highlights some positive developments: forest and landscape restoration is gaining momentum, protected areas and carbon stocks are expanding, and innovative fire management strategies are being introduced. At the same time, wildfires burned over 5.5 million hectares in the region between 2010 and 2023, including more than 1.7 million hectares of forest, and fire risks are expected to rise with higher temperatures and prolonged droughts.
Urban and peri-urban forests are also becoming increasingly important, providing essential ecosystem services, supporting livelihoods, and helping limit urban sprawl. Despite progress in restoration efforts, challenges such as insufficient funding and lack of long-term planning remain.
FAO emphasizes the need for strengthened regional cooperation, community engagement, and comprehensive monitoring to ensure Mediterranean forests remain resilient and sustainable in the face of mounting environmental pressures.