Wales is being urged to become the world's first Deforestation Free Nation, with the chair of Size of Wales warning that the destruction of tropical forests poses direct risks to the country's food, water, health, economy and supply chains.
Tim Birch, chair of Size of Wales, said the connection between Wales and tropical forest loss is real, citing the UK Government's Nature Security Assessment, which warned that global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse pose risks to national security and prosperity.
Forest Loss and Welsh Impacts
This summer, Wales experienced exceptional heat, drought and wildfires, with fires burning from the Rhinogydd mountains in the north to Blaenavon in the south. Birch said climate change can no longer feel distant, as its impacts become visible at home.
In 2025 alone, 4.3 million hectares of tropical primary rainforest were lost, an area more than twice the size of Wales. When forests are cleared or burned, they release stored carbon and lose their ability to absorb it.
Imports and Local Action
Wales imports commodities linked to deforestation, including soy, beef, palm oil, coffee and cocoa. Around 190,000 tonnes of soy are imported into Wales each year, with most used to feed livestock.
Size of Wales works with businesses, schools and local authorities to make supply chains deforestation free. Monmouthshire became the world's first Deforestation Free Champion Council, and Caerphilly became the second in Wales this summer.
Youth and Future Steps
More than 40 schools across Wales are becoming Deforestation Free Champions, with young people examining where everyday products come from and what choices can reduce pressure on forests.
Becoming deforestation free can reduce exposure to volatile global commodity markets, improve food security, support Welsh farmers in developing sustainable animal feed, protect public money and pension investments from environmental risk, and help businesses prepare for international environmental standards.
Size of Wales also supports Indigenous Peoples and local communities protecting forests in Peru, Brazil, Indonesia, Uganda and Kenya. Birch said these communities are among the world's most important forest guardians, protecting landscapes despite pressure from logging, mining, and agriculture.
At COP26 in Glasgow, world leaders committed to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030. Size of Wales is calling for Wales to become the first Deforestation Free Nation, building on fifteen years of work that began with the idea of turning Wales's name from a measure of forest destruction into a measure of forest protection.
