Global Forest Watch Blog

Stay atop the latest forest research and news! The Global Forest Watch blog uses data to illuminate the state of forests worldwide and tells the stories of people dedicated to protecting them. Read about rainforests, deforestation, fires, sustainable agriculture, forest management and other topics critical to the future of forests.

African savannah elephants in the Maasai Mara

Protecting Critical Forest Habitats in the Maasai Mara with Mara Elephant Project

Maasai Mara forests in Kenya are vital for communities and wildlife. Mara Elephant Project helps protect these forests with data from GFW.
forest_fire_borneo

The Latest Data Confirms: Forest Fires Are Getting Worse

The latest data on forest fires confirms: Fires are becoming more widespread, burning nearly twice as much tree cover today as 20 years ago.

An aerial shot shows the contrast between forest and agricultural landscapes near Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil.

Tropical Primary Forest Loss Worsened in 2022, Despite International Commitments to End Deforestation

Tropical primary forest loss was 10% higher in 2022 than in 2021 despite international commitments, according to new data on GFW.

Latest articles

Amazon – Brazil, 2011.©Neil Palmer/CIAT

Global Forest Watch’s 2022 Tree Cover Loss Data Explained

New data shows high rates of primary forest loss in 2022. What does the data measure and how does it compare to other official estimates of deforestation?

Net forest greenhouse gas flux 2001-2022

What’s New With GFW’s Forest Carbon Monitoring

Carbon monitoring data on GFW provides information on where forests are gaining or losing carbon. In 2023, we updated this model with new data.

Oil palm plantation

3 Ways Global Forest Watch Can Support the EU Law on Deforestation-free Supply Chains

Companies and others can use satellite data to help establish whether commodities are deforestation-free as required under the EUDR.

Trees outside of dense forests in Ethiopia

Tree Cover Data Sets on Global Forest Watch, Explained

Global Forest Watch hosts three tree cover data sets. We explain the differences between them and how all provide valuable information on forests.

Global Forest Watch and Forest Resources Assessment

Global Forest Watch and the Forest Resources Assessment, Explained in 5 Graphics

Both GFW and FRA provide valuable information on the state of forests, and they both have important, and complementary, applications.

Indigenous community in Peru tests out the Forest Watcher Mobile App

Forest Watcher Updates Improve Managing Teams and Reporting on Data From the Field

Forest Watcher app is designed to serve forest monitors at work in the field. New updates to the app make that easier than ever.

2023 GFW Small Grants Fund recipient Rainforest Foundation US

Introducing Global Forest Watch’s 2023 Small Grants Fund Recipients

GFW’s 2023 Small Grants Fund recipients are using satellite-based forest monitoring technologies to manage and protect forests on the ground.

Photo of mountains in Mexico Protected Natural Area

Natural Protected Areas in Mexico: A Strategic Front for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Data from GFW shows that Natural Protected Areas in Mexico help prevent forest loss, protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change.

Stolby National Park in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Russia.

The World’s Last Intact Forests Are Becoming Increasingly Fragmented

Intact forest landscapes are some of the most important ecosystems in the world. But they decreased by 12% between 2000 and 2020.