In a recent development, South Africa has recorded a fire incident in the Mpumalanga region, highlighting the ongoing challenges the nation faces in terms of tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 1.86%, with a total loss of over 530,000 hectares and a gain of around 388,000 hectares. The forestry sector has been identified as the primary driver of this loss, followed by shifting agriculture, urbanization, and wildfires.
The impact of these losses is significant, considering South Africa's total tree cover extent of nearly 6 million hectares. The data indicates a disturbing trend of disturbances to the tree cover, amounting to over 1.28 million hectares. While the country has made some gains in reforestation, the net loss underscores the need for more effective conservation and management strategies to combat the ongoing decline in tree cover.
Explore country profileThe recent fire in Mpumalanga serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of South Africa's forests and the importance of safeguarding these critical ecosystems. As the country grapples with these environmental challenges, the focus on sustainable practices and the prevention of further loss is more crucial than ever.
