In a recent development, Chad has recorded a new fire incident in the Salamat region, marking a continuation of environmental challenges the country faces. Over the past two decades, Chad has experienced a significant decline in tree cover. Despite the country's vast land area of over 126 million hectares, the tree cover extent is just around 409,749 hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals a worrying trend of tree cover loss, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, with over 1.10 million hectares lost and a net change in tree cover showing a decrease of approximately 7.83%.
The most recent incident on January 1, 2025, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to Chad's natural landscape. The cumulative effects of these incidents and the predominant agricultural practices have led to a substantial environmental impact, characterized by a consistent pattern of tree cover loss. The data underscores the urgency for strategies that can effectively address and mitigate the loss of vegetation and its associated repercussions on the ecosystem and carbon emissions.
Explore country profileAs the country grapples with these environmental challenges, the focus turns to the future and the actions that can be taken to preserve Chad's remaining tree cover and restore areas that have been affected. The situation in Salamat is a microcosm of the broader issues at play, and it highlights the need for concerted efforts to combat environmental degradation in Chad.
