A new report found woodland has expanded to more than 100,000 square kilometres, covering over one-third of the country. Researchers said the growing forests are supporting biodiversity, storing carbon and creating new opportunities for sustainable forestry, tourism and rural communities.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: @danielsessler;

The report found that much of the forest expansion has resulted from natural regeneration on abandoned farmland. Researchers said some mountain municipalities are also seeing population growth as people return to rural areas.

They say healthy forests provide environmental benefits, including cleaner air and water, carbon storage, erosion prevention and new economic opportunities for local communities.