Mozambique Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents: A 10% Decline in Tree Cover

Mozambique Faces Increasing Wildfire Incidents: A 10% Decline in Tree Cover

Mozambique is grappling with an alarming increase in wildfire incidents, as evidenced by the recent alert in Sofala Province on September 18, 2026. Over the past two decades, the country has witnessed a significant decline in tree cover, with a net loss of 10.20%. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, accounting for approximately 95% of the tree cover loss. Wildfires, although contributing a smaller percentage, have been a persistent issue, exacerbating the situation. The latest incident in Sofala Province highlights the ongoing environmental challenges Mozambique faces. With a total area of over 78 million hectares, the country's tree cover extent has been reduced to approximately 28.90 million hectares. This trend underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further environmental degradation.