New global reforestation maps identify high-impact locations where tree restoration efforts can best support climate and biodiversity goals.
Global reforestation maps are helping scientists and policymakers pinpoint the best places in the world to bring back forests in a way that benefits both people and the planet. A new global mapping effort shows where reforestation projects could most effectively fight climate change and support biodiversity without disrupting agriculture or local livelihoods.
Until now, global forest restoration strategies lacked precise guidance. Many previous estimates focused mainly on carbon capture potential without considering social or ecological consequences. These new global reforestation maps aim to change that by identifying restoration opportunities that are realistic, sustainable, and beneficial on multiple fronts.
The research, published in Nature Communications, analyzed more than 100 datasets, including land cover, biodiversity, land ownership, and socioeconomic data. The resulting global reforestation maps highlight 1.6 billion hectares of land around the world with potential for restoration. Of this total, 139 million hectares are considered “best-case” areas, where forests can be restored most effectively without causing harm.
These best-case locations are distributed across continents. Many are in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Brazil, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among the countries with the highest reforestation potential. However, significant opportunities also exist in parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The maps also reflect varying restoration types: reforestation, which returns trees to previously forested areas; natural regeneration, which allows forests to regrow on their own; and agroforestry, which integrates trees into farmland. This diversity of approaches helps ensure that restoration doesn’t come at the expense of food production or local needs.
Reforestation offers one of the most effective nature-based solutions for addressing the climate crisis. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide shade and cooling, and support critical wildlife habitat. But to succeed, reforestation efforts must be targeted and inclusive. That’s where global reforestation maps come in. They help decision-makers identify where reforestation will deliver the greatest climate benefit with the least risk.
The maps also help prevent poorly planned tree-planting efforts that can lead to unintended damage. In the past, reforestation projects have planted trees in ecosystems not suited for them, such as grasslands or peatlands, which harmed native biodiversity and disrupted natural carbon cycles. The global reforestation maps avoid these mistakes by including ecological filters that exclude inappropriate areas.
Additionally, the mapping tool prioritizes locations where restoration can improve livelihoods. This includes degraded lands where forest regrowth can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and provide sustainable income sources like fruit, nuts, and timber. Community involvement is key to success, so the maps also highlight areas where people are most likely to support and benefit from reforestation.
According to The Nature Conservancy, the global reforestation maps are part of a broader effort to scale up climate solutions rooted in nature. They are available as an interactive online tool, enabling conservation groups, governments, and local communities to explore restoration options based on region, land use, and potential benefit.
The launch of these maps arrives at a critical time. Global pledges such as the Bonn Challenge, the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and national climate commitments all emphasize the role of forests in meeting climate and biodiversity targets. But without good planning, many of these pledges risk falling short. The global reforestation maps offer a much-needed guide to turn ambition into action.
Researchers say that reforesting just the 139 million hectares identified as best-case opportunities could capture up to 3 gigatons of carbon dioxide each year. That’s roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of the entire European Union. And because these areas are chosen for their ecological suitability, the restored forests are more likely to thrive and provide long-term benefits.
By targeting restoration in the right places, global reforestation maps can help ensure that forest recovery supports not only climate goals but also biodiversity conservation, access to clean water, and food security. They represent a practical solution that balances environmental needs with economic and social realities.
For conservationists, landowners, policymakers, and businesses looking to invest in forest restoration, these maps offer a powerful tool to prioritize action. As climate challenges intensify, using science-based tools like global reforestation maps can help maximize the impact of every tree planted.
