Lesotho has witnessed a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident being a fire alert in the region of Maseru. Despite a total land area of over 3 million hectares, the country's tree cover extent is just over 6,000 hectares. The historical data reveals that tree cover loss has seen a significant increase, with notable peaks in certain years. For instance, 2016 marked the highest recorded loss at over 15 hectares, which is a stark contrast to the minimal loss observed in 2001.
The primary drivers of tree cover loss in Lesotho have been identified as forestry activities and shifting agriculture, although the specific contributions of these factors vary annually. The year 2021 showed a substantial increase in tree cover loss due to forestry, accounting for over 3 hectares. Overall, the net change in tree cover indicates a positive gain of approximately 2,758 hectares when accounting for both losses and gains over the years.
Explore country profileThis data underscores the ongoing environmental challenges faced by Lesotho, highlighting the need for sustainable management of its forest resources. The recent fire incident in Maseru adds to the urgency of addressing these environmental concerns to preserve the country's natural landscape.
