Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 21, 2026 Climate and environment
Forests cover more than 40 percent of Belarus's territory. Last year, the country recorded twice as many forest fires as the previous year. Threats to this vital ecosystem and conservation efforts ahead of the upcoming International Day of Forests, which is celebrated on March 21, said Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Belarus.
According to him, forests are not just a natural resource, but a complex, self-regulating ecosystem, the significance of which extends far beyond national borders.
© UNDP in Belarus
Armen Martirosyan, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Belarus.
"Forests absorb and store carbon, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change, regulating water resources, protecting soil from erosion, and improving air quality," Martirosyan said in an interview with Evgenia Kleshcheva of the UN News Service.
Ecosystem and Economy
Today, forests cover 40.3 percent of Belarus's territory—almost 10 million hectares. According to UNDP data, their area has grown by a million hectares over the past 30 years. There is approximately one hectare of forest per capita in Belarus. This is twice the global average.
Forest ecosystems play a key role in preserving biodiversity, providing habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. Equally important economic contribution of forestryIn Belarus, this industry employs approximately 40,000 people, and wood processing products account for 8.4 percent of exports. Non-timber forest resources, such as berries, mushrooms, and medicinal plants.
In addition, forests are an important space for recreation and tourism, which creates new opportunities for small businesses and employment in the regions.
"Ecotourism is becoming a priority in Belarus. Forests offer local communities the opportunity to create jobs, develop small businesses, and organize educational eco-tourism trails for residents and visitors," the UNDP representative emphasized.
New threats
However, forest ecosystems are facing growing threats, primarily related to with the consequences of climate change.
© UNDP in Belarus
Forest fire in Belarus.
Forest fires remain one of the most serious problems. Martirosyan emphasized that this is directly related to rising temperatures, shorter frost periods, changes in precipitation patterns and intensity, and the increasing incidence of extreme weather conditions. According to experts, since the start of the 2025 fire season, more than 700 fires have been registered in Belarus, covering over 1,200 hectares of forest—almost double the number recorded the previous year.
"Especially vulnerable coniferous forests"In Belarus, fires can cause serious damage to biodiversity and destroy entire ecosystems. Forest pests remain an equally serious challenge. In recent years, the number of insects, such as bark beetles and sawflies, has increased. This is also linked to global warming and the declining resilience of forest ecosystems," Martirosyan explained.
UNDP support
The United Nations Development Programme has been collaborating with the Belarusian Ministry of Forestry for many years, helping to implement modern approaches to forest resource management.
Thus, UNDP specialists prepared recommendations for updating legislation in this area. In 2025, proposals were developed for the use of digital technologies and innovative methods for forest inventory, conservation, and protection, as well as for effective fire management. In February 2026, with the support of the UN agency, Belarus adopted a strategy and national action plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
A new project to strengthen preparedness for fire prevention and response was launched in 2025. This is the first project implemented by UNDP in Belarus with financial support from the Government of the People's Republic of China as part of South-South cooperation. Another project, aimed at developing ecotourism, is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and with support from the Russian Federation.
"Ecotourism creates new sources of income for local residents while simultaneously supporting protected areas. The project helps develop ecotourism infrastructure, create new routes and services, and train specialists working in Belarusian nature reserves," explained a UNDP representative.
Three steps to protect forests
According to Martirosyan, to preserve forests There is a need to focus on three key areas.
The first is the use of innovation and digital technologies to monitor forest conditions and detect threats early.
© UNDP in Belarus
Inspection of firefighting personnel and equipment in preparation for the fire season in Belarus.
The second is strengthening partnerships between the state, international organizations and local communities.
Third, education and raising environmental awareness, especially among young people.
Working with partners at the international, national, and local levels enables us to develop a systems-based approach to forest management, ensure sustainable results, and preserve forests for future generations.
"The forest is a living organism. It must be treated not just as a resource, but as part of our shared reality, on which our future depends," the expert emphasized.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.