India Climbs to 9th in Global Forest Ranking, Leads in Annual Gains

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India has improved its global ranking for total forest area, moving from 10th to 9th position as of October 2022. The country has also maintained its 3rd spot worldwide in terms of annual forest gain.

The assessment, which is based on data reported by individual countries and reviewed by member nations, shows that Russia, Brazil, and Canada have the highest forest areas globally. India defines its forest area as land with a tree canopy density of more than 10%, including plantations.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has praised India's remarkable progress, attributing it to the government's policies and programs for forest protection, afforestation, and community-led environmental action under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister highlighted initiatives like the "Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam" campaign, which encourages people to plant trees as a mark of love and respect for their mothers.

However, the India State of Forest 2023 report has also pointed out the degradation of large tracts of forests and an increase in plantations, raising concerns about the status of "unclassed" forests and their impact on biodiversity, forest-dependent communities, and ecosystem services.