Forests and Landslides: The Role of Forests and Forestry in the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Landslides in Asia

This brief describes the role of forests and forestry in the prevention and rehabilitation of landslides in Asia, noting that landslides may increase over the coming decades, in part due to climate change. It underscores the role of forests in preventing landslides, and describes how in some areas of China and Mongolia, climate change is causing landslides due to rapidly thawing permafrost. Additional climate change implications include increased rains and severe weather, which could lead to soil inundation and tree falls. The document also notes that climate change-induced drought will increase the chances of devastating wild fire and forest die-back, which by removing or damaging forest cover will induce root decay, resulting in loss of slope stability. It concludes by providing recommendations for maintenance of forest cover and forest health.