COP30 roadmap to end deforestation will invite countries to draft domestic plans

A Brazil-led initiative is developing a voluntary global roadmap aimed at ending deforestation by 2030, inviting countries to create their own national plans to halt and reverse forest loss. This effort follows commitments made by around 80 countries at COP28 in Dubai to stop deforestation and transition away from fossil fuels, though progress has been limited since. The roadmap, which is being shaped through consultations and over 130 submissions from countries, is expected to be finalized soon and will offer flexible guidance rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Juliano Assunção, an advisor to the COP30 presidency on deforestation, presented an initial outline of the roadmap at the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York. He emphasized that the plan will encourage countries to translate their existing commitments into tailored strategies based on national and regional contexts. The roadmap will be structured in two parts: an analysis of the social, economic, and environmental risks of ongoing forest loss, and a menu of practical options to address deforestation by 2030. It aims to draw on existing policy tools and the diverse experiences of countries to identify key challenges and their drivers. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent data showing that in 2025, the world lost 4.3 million hectares of tropical primary rainforest—an area roughly the size of Denmark. Although this represents a 36% reduction from the previous year’s record high deforestation levels driven by climate-fueled fires, the current rate remains 70% above what is needed to meet the 2030 deforestation target. The roadmap also highlights the importance of international cooperation, as requested by governments, to complement national efforts and enhance the effectiveness of forest conservation strategies. This voluntary approach reflects a pragmatic response to stalled global negotiations and aims to provide actionable, country-specific guidance to accelerate the fight against deforestation. By fostering collaboration and leveraging existing commitments, the roadmap seeks to reinvigorate global efforts to protect forests, which are critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of millions worldwide.