The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a significant challenge with an escalating trend in tree cover loss, compounded by the latest fire incident reported in Haut-Katanga. Over the past two decades, the DRC has experienced a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares of tree cover, which is a 3.55% decrease from the stable tree cover extent. The predominant driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover reduction and associated emissions. Urbanization, although less significant, has also contributed to the landscape change.
The data reveals a worrying trend, with the highest annual tree cover loss reaching over 1.30 million hectares in 2014. Despite some fluctuations, the overall trajectory shows a persistent decline in tree cover, which has serious implications for carbon emissions and biodiversity. The single fire incident recorded recently may seem minor in comparison to the broader trend, but it is indicative of the ongoing disturbances affecting the region's forests.
Explore country profileThe DRC's vast forested area, which once spanned over 199 million hectares, is a critical component of the global ecosystem, and its degradation could have far-reaching consequences. The net change in tree cover reflects both losses and gains, with a disturbing net negative balance, highlighting the urgency for strategies to mitigate these losses.
