Abstract
The study aimed to assess the economic risks caused by the degradation of forest landscapes and their impact on the forestry sector’s economy and regional development. The analysis examined the impact of deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss and climate change on forestry sustainability, the labour market, investment attractiveness and financial flows in the regions. A comprehensive approach was used, including statistical analysis of data, comparative assessment of changes in the forest industry, and forecasting of possible economic consequences under different scenarios. The study found that between 2015 and 2024, global forest cover loss reached 10 million hectares annually, leading to a reduction in timber stocks and a 15-25% increase in prices in the most affected regions. The decline in forest area has had a direct impact on employment in the forestry industry, causing a 20-30% reduction in jobs in the sector in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where logging is an important source of income. The results show that the reduction in tax revenues from the forestry industry and the shrinking of local budgets have led to limited funding for social programmes and infrastructure projects in rural areas. The analysis also showed that illegal deforestation remains a serious problem, as up to 30% of the global timber market may be of illegal origin, undermining the economic stability of the industry and complicating international regulation. The loss of biodiversity and soil erosion has led to an increase in the cost of ecological restoration of forest areas, which in some countries has exceeded USD 5 billion. Comprehensive measures to reduce economic risks are proposed, including the introduction of strict regulatory mechanisms, the development of FSC certification, stimulating investment in forest restoration, and the introduction of digital monitoring technologies, including satellite surveillance and the use of drones. The results of the study can contribute to the development of strategies for forest management, environmental control, reduction of economic risks, implementation of monitoring technologies and assessment of the impact of forest degradation on regional development