Mongabay · Climate & nature

Mekong Forest Loss Declines in 2025, But Challenges Remain

Tree cover loss in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam decreased in 2025 compared to the previous year, continuing a downward trend. However, significant primary forest loss and deforestation within protected areas persist.

Mekong countries lost 746,168 hectares of tree cover in 2025, including over 154,000 hectares of primary forest. Deforestation rates dropped by nearly 25% from 2024, with fewer wildfires and stricter enforcement cited. Nearly 200,000 hectares were lost in protected areas.

Cambodia saw its best year since 2003, with a 50% drop in tree cover loss. However, over 23,000 hectares of primary forest were lost, and 54% of total losses occurred in protected areas.

Laos had the highest deforestation rate, losing 230,200 hectares, a 34% decrease from 2024. Agricultural commodities like cassava are major drivers, with demand fluctuations impacting the rate.

Myanmar lost nearly 227,000 hectares, an 18% drop from 2024. Illicit timber sales and mining in border states are key drivers, with mining contaminating rivers.

Thailand and Vietnam showed strengthening conservation policies, resulting in the smallest proportional forest losses. Thailand lost over 111,500 hectares; Vietnam lost over 118,000 hectares.

Despite improvements, local communities in Thailand face conflicts in protected areas. Vietnam's strict logging bans and penalties have helped preserve its forests.

Experts suggest the regional decline may stem from diminishing timber supplies and shifting agricultural commodity demand, with some countries outsourcing plantations.

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