Forests Have Become Vital for Global Food Security
As billions rely on forest ecosystems for nutrition and medicine, report finds that forest health remains critical.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should governments better integrate forest management into national policies to help improve global food security?
A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization outlines how forest ecosystems support the survival of over 5 billion people worldwide. This analysis comes at a critical time as 645 million people experienced chronic hunger in 2025.
Why it matters
Forests provide essential food, medicine, and water for large segments of the global population, yet the loss of 10.9 million hectares of forest annually threatens these vital resources. Protecting these ecosystems is now considered a fundamental strategy for improving global food security.
The Food and Agriculture Organization report characterizes the reliance of over 5 billion people on forest-derived livelihoods, including the direct consumption of at least 10,000 species as food. These findings aggregate current global data on forest utility for nutrition, medicine, and water access.
The players
Food and Agriculture Organization
An agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
Committee on World Food Security
An inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together on food security and nutrition.
The details
Forests contribute to human health by providing diverse nutrient sources including fruits, nuts, tubers, edible insects, and wild meat. Beyond direct consumption, they maintain food systems through critical biological services such as water regulation, soil protection, nutrient cycling, pollination, and pest control. These ecosystems also provide clean water to over 85 percent of major cities and offer medicinal plants to over 1 billion people.
Timeline
2017: The Committee on World Food Security issued forestry policy recommendations.
2025: 645 million people experienced chronic hunger.
Last decade: The world experienced an annual loss of 10.9 million hectares of forest.
September 2026: The FAO published the new report on forests and food security.
Health Landscape
This report updates the framework established by the Committee on World Food Security's 2017 forestry policy recommendations. It underscores a shift toward viewing forest management as an essential component of public health and nutrition policy.
Recognizing that forest health impacts the global food supply helps highlight the importance of diverse, sustainable nutrition sources. Consumers should discuss the sourcing and environmental impact of their food choices with their doctors or dietitians to ensure they prioritize high-quality, sustainable options.
The takeaway
Forests function as a critical pillar for global nutrition by providing food, fuel, and clean water to billions of people. Integrating environmental preservation into your broader health consciousness supports the long-term stability of the food systems we rely on every day.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of sustainable ecosystems and human nutrition in our Organic Food section.
Live Poll
Should governments better integrate forest management into national policies to help improve global food security?
