Belarus expands forest coverage to record levels as nationwide reforestation efforts accelerate

Belarus has continued to expand its forest resources, with more than 80,500 hectares added to the national forest fund during the spring planting season, as reported by Belteleradiocompany, a TV BRICS partner.

Forests now cover 40.5 per cent of Belarusian territory – the highest level recorded in six decades – reflecting long-term investment in reforestation, sustainable forestry and environmental protection.

According to official data, the country’s forest fund has reached 9.8 million hectares, equivalent to more than one hectare of forest for every resident. Forest restoration remains a strategic priority, with large-scale planting campaigns carried out each spring and autumn to increase woodland coverage and improve ecosystem resilience.

In 2025 alone, reforestation activities were completed across 36,000 hectares, exceeding planned targets. This year, forestry specialists have already established new forest plantations on 18,500 hectares during the spring season, while an additional 25,700 hectares of young forests have undergone supplementary planting and maintenance.

Belarus has also intensified efforts to protect forests from one of their greatest seasonal threats: wildfires. Throughout the year, forestry services maintain extensive firebreak networks and conduct preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of fire spread. Modern surveillance systems, including video monitoring technologies, support early detection and rapid response capabilities.

The country’s forestry sector benefits from a well-developed network of 77 forest nurseries covering more than 1,300 hectares. These facilities produce between 300 million and 350 million young trees annually, ensuring a stable supply of high-quality planting material for national reforestation programmes.

The expansion of Belarusian forests is delivering measurable environmental benefits. Annual timber growth now consistently exceeds harvesting volumes, supporting sustainable forest management while strengthening carbon absorption capacity, biodiversity conservation and ecological stability, the source claimed.

Public participation continues to play an important role in these efforts. Thousands of volunteers take part in seasonal tree-planting campaigns each year, contributing to forest restoration projects across the country. One nationwide initiative alone brought together approximately 60,000 volunteers this year, highlighting growing public engagement in environmental stewardship and conservation.