Mozambique has been grappling with a significant decline in its tree cover, which has decreased by over 10% over recent years. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority of the tree cover loss. The latest incident occurred on July 17, 2026, in Cabo Delgado Province, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces with wildfires.
From 2001 to 2025, Mozambique experienced a net loss of approximately 4.30 million hectares of tree cover. Shifting agriculture has been the leading cause, contributing to over 90% of the loss. Wildfires, although less frequent, have also played a role in the degradation of forest areas.
The latest wildfire incident in Cabo Delgado Province underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further environmental degradation. As Mozambique continues to face these challenges, the focus must shift towards preserving its remaining tree cover and preventing future incidents.