The EcoHubMap page on deforestation in Syria highlights the severe environmental degradation resulting from over a decade of conflict. Since 2011, Syria has lost approximately 19.3% of its forest cover, equating to around 63,700 hectares—an area comparable to the entire metropolitan region of Barcelona . This significant loss is primarily due to artillery bombardments causing widespread forest fires and the reliance of displaced populations on wood for heating and cooking amid energy shortages.​

The deforestation is most pronounced in the coastal mountain ranges and areas surrounding Damascus. Proximity to roads and refugee camps has exacerbated tree loss, as these areas provide easier access to forests for logging and fuel collection . Additionally, the absence of effective governance and enforcement of environmental laws during the conflict has led to unregulated logging and further forest degradation.​

Remote sensing and satellite imagery have been instrumental in monitoring these changes. Tools like the Syria Trees app utilize data from Sentinel-2 satellites to detect and analyze deforestation patterns from 2015 to 2021 . These technologies have revealed a significant increase in logging activities, particularly in provinces like Lattakia and Hama, correlating with the intensification of the conflict and the ensuing humanitarian crises.​

The long-term environmental impacts of this deforestation are profound. Loss of forest cover contributes to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate change. Efforts to mitigate these effects are challenging amid ongoing conflict, but recognizing and documenting these environmental hotspots is a crucial step toward future restoration and conservation initiatives.