Executive summary

Forests in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have been undergoing change in the last 25 years due to various factors. Positive and negative changes occur at the same time. There have been many studies on drivers of deforestation and forest degradation. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on the positive drivers, those that promote sustainable forest management (SFM), forest conservation, afforestation, and reforestation. This report looks at both negative and positive drivers that have affected forest change in the GMS between 1990 and 2015 for a better understanding of their influence on forests in the region. It concludes with recommendations to address negative drivers and enhance positives ones. The primary source of the data was FAO’s Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) of 2015. In addition, we also used data from individual country reports and secondary data through research.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Zero Hunger

Life on Land

Responsible Consumption and Production