Forest gains and losses in Southeast Asia over 27 years: The slow convergence towards reforestation

Forest cover has decreased dramatically in Southeast Asia over the last decades. Understanding drivers behind these changes is critical to predict and minimise their adverse effects. The objectives of present study were provide accurate estimates forest gains losses each country Asia, test hypothesis that are linked national socioeconomic changes. Temporal quantified eleven countries using mid-resolution land data. Decline between 1992 2018 varied considerably among with evidence reforestation some during few years. Some showed a positive relationship GDP while others negative relationship. synchronised, particularly Indonesia Malaysia where conversion predominantly involved agricultural lands. A contrast was also shown by examining lands converted from forests. supports is, at least part, driven socioeconimic suggests future will be determined important agroforestry sectors.