Loss of Forest Cover in Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine (2014 - 2023) Increases

Photo: Serebryan Forest in Luhansk Region 2024/ © National Guard of Ukraine

According to research conducted by experts from the NGO ForestCom using Global Forest Watch maps (see Figure 1), there has been a loss of 1,214 hectares of forest cover in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine from 2014 to the end of 2023 (see Figure 2). 

Among these losses, 564 hectares were due to fires, while 650 hectares were attributed to other causes. 

The highest losses from fires were recorded in 2021, totaling 192 hectares, which accounted for 50% of all tree cover losses that year.

In areas that were temporarily occupied following the full-scale invasion, forest cover losses reached 9,030 hectares in 2023 (see Figure 3). In the previous year, 2022, these areas lost 4,220 hectares of tree cover (according to boundaries as of May 1, 2023).

This study is based on data from the Global Forest Watch maps, which contain information on forest cover loss and forest recovery from 2001 to 2023. 

It is important to note that forest cover, as defined by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), refers to land areas of at least 0.5 hectares covered by forests, where trees reach a height of at least 5 meters and where canopy cover is at least 10%. 

The results indicate significant losses of forest resources in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine due to military action and fires. This underscores the necessity to strengthen conservation and reforestation efforts in these regions post-de-occupation.

Fig. 1. General view of "Global Forest Protection" maps.

Fig.2. Temporarily occupied territories since 2014, territory boundaries are determined as of December 31, 2023 (according to  liveuamap.com).

Fig. 3. Temporarily occupied territories after a full-scale invasion, the borders of the territories are determined as of December 31, 2023 (according to  liveuamap.com).

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The  research was carried out within the project "Combating illegal logging in Ukraine" with the support of the International Programs of the US Forest Service.