FAO Supports Asia-Pacific Countries To Strengthen Primary Forest Reporting

Better data, better decisions for Asia Pacific's forests

11 May 2026, Bangkok – Southeast Asia and the Pacific have some the last remaining untouched forests in the world. These primary forests are irreplaceable ecosystems, supporting rich biodiversity, storing vast carbon and sustaining the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples. However, across the region, these forests continue to decline despite their importance, even as overall forest area in Asia shows signs of increase.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is strengthening countries’ capacity to monitor and report on primary forests through a regional workshop taking place this week in Thailand, bringing together experts from across Southeast Asia and the Pacific to improve the quality, consistency, and comparability of data on primary forest extent and trends including the use of national forest inventories, geospatial data, and satellite imagery for their mapping.

“To safeguard what remains of these vital ecosystems, countries need reliable and consistent data to guide action and track change over time,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “This workshop is an important step toward strengthening national capacities and ensuring better evidence for decision-making on primary forests.”

Strengthening data and tools for forest monitoring

FAO is working with countries to improve the consistency and quality of data reported to FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), while also enhancing their ability to monitor primary forests over time.

Organized under FAO’s work on primary forests and the Global Environment Facility-funded Strengthening Conservation of Tropical Primary Forests through Partnership Enhancement and Coordination of Support (SCOPE) project, the workshop brings together technical experts from Bhutan, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Participants are reviewing and testing draft guidance and geospatial tools designed to support more accurate mapping and reporting of primary forests. These include hands-on training in tools such as Collect Earth Online and the Primary Forest Finder, which help countries assess forest extent and changes over time.

Building a stronger evidence base

Through this joint initiative with member countries and partners, FAO is developing biome-specific guidance, improving the shared understanding of what constitutes a primary forest, and strengthening national data systems.

The workshop builds on earlier efforts, including a virtual session held in 2021, and contributes to the Southeast Asia and the Pacific Forests Integrated Program. It also supports global efforts to halt biodiversity loss and address climate change by improving the evidence base for forest conservation.

Ultimately, more accurate and consistent data on primary forests will enable better-informed decisions at national, regional and global levels, helping to protect some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems.

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