Chad is witnessing a concerning trend in its environmental landscape, marked by a significant decline in tree cover and an increase in wildfire incidents. Recent data highlights a 7.83% net decrease in tree cover, with a total loss of approximately 1.10 million hectares. The Salamat region recently reported a wildfire incident, underscoring the growing environmental challenges.
Over the years, shifting agriculture has been the primary driver of tree cover loss, contributing to over 90% of the total loss. However, wildfires have also played a significant role, particularly in recent years. In 2025, wildfires accounted for approximately 12% of the tree cover loss, a substantial increase from previous years.
The latest incident in Salamat serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective environmental management strategies. As Chad continues to grapple with these challenges, the focus must remain on sustainable practices to mitigate further environmental degradation.