Tropical forests are often described as the “lungs of the Earth.” These ecosystems are home to more than 50% of global biodiversitywhile providing vital services such as climate regulation, the provision of drinking water and medicinal resources.
But today, they are seriously threatened: every year, we lose nearly 10 million hectares of forests, the equivalent ofa football field every six seconds.
Understanding the impacts of deforestation
The main causes of tropical forest destruction include intensive deforestation, often illegal, and the conversion of land into agricultural plantations, particularly for the production of palm oil.
Take the example of Borneoan island where deforestation took on proportions dramatic. By the 1970s, vast, lush rainforests covered the island. Today, 75% of palm oil plantations have replaced these primary forests which were still intact ago barely 55 years old.
To better understand the impact of these transformations, a recent study, published in the journal Science a compared the effects of logging and the conversion to palm groves. If logging alters forests, transformation into monocultures causes much more profound changes.
Forests, rich in biodiversityharbor both essential microorganisms and emblematic species such as hornbillsbut palm groves, although profitable, are impoverished monocultures, requiring large quantities of chemicals.
In addition to their impact on biodiversity, Primary forests play a key role in regulating soil, water and climate. Their disappearance contributes to 12 % of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, amplifying global warming.
Even degraded by several operating cyclesces forests nevertheless remain precious. They preserve a much richer biodiversity than agricultural plantations and continue to provide ecosystem services essential.
Are there solutions to reverse the trend?
If we want to save tropical forests, it is imperative to act on several fronts:
Forest conservation and restoration
The preservation of primary forests is an absolute priority. These forests are irreplaceable and contain the most vulnerable species. Of the strict protection policies and international funding must be strengthened to prevent their conversion into agricultural land.
Furthermore, the Restoration of “overexploited” forests offers a promising strategy. Studies carried out in Malaysia show thatafter a period of degradation, forests can regenerate if they are not converted to plantations. This requires long-term efforts, including reforestation projects using local species to recreate a complex habitat.
Reform in agriculture and extractive industries
Although very productive, palm oil cultivation remains today ecologically destructive. Promoting sustainable practices, such as using already degraded land rather than primary forests, could significantly reduce its environmental impact.
In parallel, encourage sustainable palm oil certification (RSPO) and supporting initiatives that fight illegal plantations are equally essential actions.
In addition, to reduce intensive agriculture which contributes to deforestation, more environmentally friendly agricultural alternatives must be put forward. This includes models like theagroforestry, where trees are integrated into agricultural operations, and theregenerative agriculturewhich preserves soil fertility without resorting to destructive practices.
Of the incentive agricultural policies should promote these models, particularly through subsidies and credits for committed farmers in sustainable practices.
Solutions based on “Nature” and collective mobilization
On the one hand, some restoration projects aim to convert economically marginal plantations into forests. For example, land far from the coast or areas that are difficult to access can be left to regenerate naturally, which can restore ecosystem services while maintaining a certain level of economic productivity.
It is also important to promote agroecological systemswhere agriculture coexists with forests and supports biodiversity, thereby reducing pressure on forest lands.
On the other hand, global demand for products such as palm oil, soy, cocoa and coffee plays a major role in deforestation. Increasing pressure on businesses to adopt responsible supply chains is essential.
THE consumersin making informed choicescan also reduce the demand for these products resulting from deforestation. Encourage responsible purchasing and supporting product traceability initiatives constitute powerful levers.
International collaborations
Hope also lies in global cooperative efforts. governments around the world must work together to put in place ambitious public policies aimed at reducing deforestation and protecting critical ecosystems.
In Borneo, researchers analyzed more than 80 indicators covering the structure of forests, their biodiversity and their ecosystem functions. These collaborative efforts, often in difficult conditions, make it possible to better understand the impacts of deforestationt d’identify solutions applicable elsewhere.
These lessons can be applied in other tropical regions, such as the Amazon or the Congo Basin. For these solutions to be effective on a global scale, it is necessary to strengthen scientific research, train local communities and guarantee stable funding to support preservation initiatives.
The establishment of public-private partnerships solid could encourage investment in sustainable solutions, while ensuring strict regulatory measures on an international scale.
Article references:
Charles J. Marsh et al.Tropical forest clearance impacts biodiversity and function, whereas logging changes structure.Science 387,171-175(2025).DOI:10.1126/science.adf9856
