In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia. You can also take a detailed look at the 5 Most Forested Countries in Asia.
Forests serve as vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate climate, and provide essential resources for human well-being. In Asia, home to some of the most diverse and extensive forested landscapes on Earth, forests play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s environmental, social, and economic fabric.
Forestation, the process of establishing and managing forests, holds immense significance for Asia’s sustainable development agenda. Across the continent, countries have recognized the intrinsic value of forests and their potential to drive economic growth, mitigate climate change, and alleviate poverty. Asia’s total forest area stood at approximately 571 million hectares as of latest estimates, accounting for around 18.5% of Asia’s total land area. This vast expanse of forests encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia to temperate forests in East Asia, each contributing to the region’s ecological richness and cultural heritage.
Sustainability lies at the heart of efforts to manage and conserve Asia’s forests, ensuring their continued vitality for future generations. Sustainable forest management practices, characterized by principles of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and community participation, form the cornerstone of forest governance strategies across the continent. For example, the Philippines has implemented community-based forest management programs covering approximately 1.2 million hectares of forested land. These programs involve over 300,000 households in forest protection, reforestation, and sustainable livelihood activities. Community-managed forests contribute to biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and poverty alleviation, with studies showing a significant reduction in deforestation rates and improved forest condition in community based forest management areas.
These practices aim to balance the socioeconomic benefits derived from forests, such as timber production, with the need to protect ecosystem integrity and maintain environmental services.
Forests are indispensable allies in the fight against climate change, acting as carbon sinks that absorb and store atmospheric carbon dioxide. A study shows that Southeast Asian countries can sequester 9 to 21 Pg of carbon from the atmosphere from 1995 to 2050. Sustainable forest management practices, such as reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), offer opportunities for countries to access climate finance and incentivize forest conservation efforts while promoting sustainable development.
Moreover, economically, the impact of afforestation and sustainable forest management reverberates across diverse sectors, driving innovation, enhancing resilience, and fostering inclusive growth. Forest-based industries, including timber, pulp, and paper, contribute significantly to Asia’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities for millions of people. According to the FAO, the forestry sector contributed around $765 billion to Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015 and supported over 22 million jobs from 2017-19, showing its importance as a driver of rural livelihoods and economic development.
International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) is a leading American multinational corporation engaged in the production of pulp, paper, and packaging products. It operates several pulp and paper mills in Asia, where it produces a wide range of paper products for domestic and international markets. While International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) doesn’t break down revenue by region, its operations in Asia contribute significantly to its global revenue. International Paper Company (NYSE:IP) is known for its emphasis on sustainability initiatives, like their responsible forest management practices and certification programs ensuring the long-term viability of its fiber supply chain and minimizing environmental impacts.
Similarly, another notable company in forest-based industries is Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY). Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) exports timber products to various markets in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to its global sales. The company holds certifications such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) to ensure responsible forest management.
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Methodology
To shortlist the 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia, we consulted the data from The Global Economy and Visual Capitalist to gain information on the most forested countries in Asia and to learn about the percentage of forested area in these top 20 most forested countries in Asia. We mostly relied on data from The Global Economy to determine the percentage of forested area in these countries, as of 2021. The list of the 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia has been ranked in ascending order – from countries with lesser percentage of forested area to higher percentage of forested area.
Please note, we have included Georgia in the list too, even though it is generally considered European. We have included it because of its transcontinental location.
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20. Bangladesh
Percentage of Area Forested: 14%
Bangladesh has a variety of forest types, including tropical and subtropical forests. These forests are important for preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including the endangered Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant. Additionally, Bangladesh’s forests play a significant role in soil conservation, helping to prevent erosion and maintain fertile land for agriculture. They also contribute to carbon sequestration, aiding in the fight against climate change. Despite facing challenges such as population pressure and urbanisation, Bangladesh has implemented conservation efforts to protect its forests, including establishing protected areas and promoting sustainable land management practices.
19. Singapore
Percentage of Area Forested: 21.4%
Despite its urban landscape, Singapore maintains approximately 21.4% forest cover, comprising fragmented patches of tropical rainforest, mangroves, and secondary forests. These forests are vital for biodiversity, providing refuge for various plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Raffles’ banded langur and the Sunda pangolin. Singapore’s forests also play essential roles in mitigating urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and enhancing residents’ well-being by offering recreational spaces and promoting eco-tourism. Despite land constraints, Singapore has undertaken extensive reforestation and conservation efforts, including creating nature reserves and green corridors, to protect and enhance its remaining forested areas.
18. China
Percentage of Area Forested: 23.6%
China boasts diverse forest ecosystems ranging from temperate forests in the north to subtropical forests in the south. These forests are home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including the giant panda and the Siberian tiger, and provide essential ecosystem services such as soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration. China’s forests also support the livelihoods of millions of people through timber production, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. Despite historical deforestation, China has implemented ambitious afforestation and reforestation programs, investing in sustainable forest management and restoration efforts to conserve its forests and mitigate environmental degradation.
17. Philippines
Percentage of Area Forested: 24.2%
The Philippines maintains 24.2% forest cover, consisting of diverse forest types such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, and dipterocarp forests. These forests are biodiversity hotspots, hosting a plethora of endemic species like the Philippine eagle and the tarsier. They also provide essential ecosystem services such as watershed protection, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration. The forests of the Philippines support the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forest resources for food, medicine, and livelihoods. Despite facing threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and land conversion, the Philippines has implemented conservation measures, including protected area establishment and community-based forest management initiatives, to preserve its forests and sustainably manage its natural resources.
16. India
Percentage of Area Forested: 24.4%
India has diverse forest ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests in the Western Ghats to alpine forests in the Himalayas. These forests are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species, including the Bengal tiger and the Indian elephant. India’s forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil and water conservation, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration. They also support the livelihoods of millions of people through the provision of forest products, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products. Despite facing pressures from population growth, agricultural expansion, and industrialization, India has implemented conservation measures, including protected area networks, afforestation programs, and community-based forest management initiatives, to conserve its forests and promote sustainable use of forest resources.
15. Sri Lanka
Percentage of Area Forested: 34.1%
Sri Lanka maintains approximately 34.1% forest cover, encompassing tropical rainforests, mangroves, and montane forests. These forests are renowned for their biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and the purple-faced langur. Sri Lanka’s forests provide essential ecosystem services like watershed protection, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the island nation’s environmental sustainability. Additionally, forests play a vital role in supporting local communities by providing timber, medicinal plants, and livelihood opportunities.
14. Thailand
Percentage of Area Forested: 38.8%
The forests in Thailand are known to be biodiversity hotspots, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Asian elephant and the Indochinese tiger. Thailand’s forests provide essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the country’s environmental health and resilience. These forests are also popular among tourists. Additionally, forests play a crucial role in supporting local communities through the provision of timber, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism opportunities. Thailand has implemented conservation measures, including protected area establishment and community-based forest management initiatives, to conserve its forests and promote sustainable land management practices.
13. Georgia
Percentage of Area Forested: 40.6%
Georgia consists of temperate deciduous forests, subalpine forests, and coastal forests. Its forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil stabilization, water regulation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the country’s environmental sustainability. Additionally, forests play a significant role in supporting rural livelihoods through timber production, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism. Despite facing challenges Georgia has implemented conservation initiatives to preserve its forests and promote their sustainable use for future generations.
12. Nepal
Percentage of Area Forested: 41.6%
Nepal’s forests are renowned for their biodiversity, supporting iconic species such as the Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros. Nepal’s forests provide essential ecosystem services such as soil conservation, water regulation, and carbon sequestration, contributing to the country’s environmental resilience and sustainability. Moreover, forests play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people through the provision of forest products, fuelwood, and medicinal plants. Nepal has implemented conservation measures, including community forestry programs and protected area management, to protect its forests.
11. Burma (Myanmar)
Percentage of Area Forested: 43.3%
Burma consists of diverse forest types such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, and teak forests. These forests are biologically rich, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species, including several endangered and endemic species. Burma’s forests provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and watershed protection, contributing to the country’s environmental health and sustainability. Despite facing many issues such as deforestation and land-use changes, Burma has implemented various measures, like sustainable forest management practices, to promote their sustainable use for future generations.
10. Cambodia
Percentage of Area Forested: 44.8%
Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, boasts a significant percentage of forested area, accounting for 44.8% of its total land area. The country’s forests not only provide habitats for wildlife but also serve as essential resources for local communities, offering timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services such as water regulation and soil stabilization. However, Cambodia’s forests face threats from deforestation due to agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and infrastructure development. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage these forests are crucial to safeguarding Cambodia’s rich biodiversity and maintaining the well-being of its people.
9. Vietnam
Percentage of Area Forested: 47%
Vietnam is renowned for its landscapes, with approximately 47% of its total land area covered by forests. These forests encompass a diverse range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to mangrove swamps, supporting a wealth of biodiversity. Vietnam’s forests are home to iconic species such as the Indochinese leopard and the Vietnamese mossy frog, as well as providing important ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and watershed protection.
8. Indonesia
Percentage of Area Forested: 48.4%
As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Indonesia boasts extensive forested areas covering approximately 48.4% of its landmass. These forests span diverse ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, peatlands, and mangrove forests, supporting a staggering array of plant and animal species, including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan and the Javan rhinoceros. Indonesia’s forests also play a crucial role in global climate regulation, acting as vital carbon sinks and contributing to regional and global weather patterns. However, Indonesia faces significant challenges related to deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and palm oil production.
7. North Korea
Percentage of Area Forested: 49.9%
The forests in North Korea encompass a variety of habitats, ranging from temperate broadleaf forests in the north to subtropical forests in the south, providing habitats for diverse wildlife such as the Amur leopard and the Korean pine. Forests also play a crucial role in North Korea’s economy, providing timber resources and supporting industries such as forestry and paper production. Despite facing challenges such as illegal logging and deforestation, the North Korean government has implemented measures to conserve and sustainably manage its forest resources, recognizing their importance for both environmental and economic sustainability.
6. Malaysia
Percentage of Area Forested: 58%
Malaysia is renowned for its stunning biodiversity, with forests covering approximately 58% of its total land area. These forests include tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and peatlands, hosting a remarkable array of plant and animal species, including the iconic Malayan tiger and the orangutan. Malaysia’s forests are not only biodiversity hotspots but also provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil stabilization. Conservation efforts, including protected area management and sustainable forestry practices, are crucial for safeguarding Malaysia’s forests and ensuring the long-term well-being of its people and wildlife.
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Disclosure: none. 20 Most Forested Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.