Threatened wet forest habitats

Background

The global significance of threatened wet forest habitats emerged in the late 20th century, as satellite imagery and ecological studies revealed alarming rates of deforestation and biodiversity loss in regions such as the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. International concern intensified with the recognition of these forests’ roles in climate regulation and species conservation, prompting scientific assessments and policy initiatives to monitor and address their rapid decline (https://www.cbd.int/forest/problem.shtml).

Incidence

Wet forest habitats, including tropical and temperate rainforests, are experiencing rapid decline worldwide due to deforestation, land conversion, and climate change. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, over 420 million hectares of forest have been lost since 1990, with wet forests in Southeast Asia, Central Africa, and the Amazon Basin among the most affected. This loss threatens biodiversity, disrupts water cycles, and undermines local livelihoods.
In 2022, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported a significant increase in wet forest clearance within the Congo Basin, primarily driven by illegal logging and agricultural expansion, resulting in substantial habitat fragmentation and species loss.