Native Forest Data
As part of the country's international commitment, Uruguay reports periodically to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The latest assessment examines the status and trends of more than 60 forest-related variables in 236 countries and territories in the period 1990–2020 (FRA 2020). The data submitted to the FRA report corresponds to the Extent of Native Forest Land (surface area measured in hectares). Data submitted to FRA also includes area of Planted Forest, also known as “Forest with exotic (i.e., non-native) species.”
Uruguay’s strong historical efforts are reflected in this most recent survey, which shows a cumulative increase in Uruguay’s native forest area during this period. Measured native forest area has grown due to natural regeneration, increased coverage, and restoration plans. This trend diverges strongly from most of the countries in the region, where deforestation is driven by land-clearing for crop production (soybeans, palm oil) or land conversion to pasture for cattle farming.
Change in the Area of Naturally Regenerating Forest Selected Latin American countries, period 2000-2020 (or latest available).
