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1 Sept 2024

Mozambique Battles Tree Cover Loss Amid Shifting Agriculture Dominance
Mozambique Battles Tree Cover Loss Amid Shifting Agriculture Dominance

Mozambique has been grappling with significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture practices. Over two decades, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of 4.30 million hectares, which equates to a 10.20% reduction from its original tree cover extent. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver, responsible for the vast majority of this loss.

The latest incident in Niassa Province, Mozambique, with a single fire alert, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing its natural resources. While the incident data for 2024 shows just one alert, historical data indicates a persistent pattern of tree cover loss, with shifting agriculture accounting for an overwhelming percentage of the total deforestation.

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From 2001 to 2022, Mozambique experienced a consistent rise in tree cover loss, with the highest recorded in 2017, at over 359,000 hectares. The subsequent years have seen slight fluctuations but maintained high levels of loss, underscoring the need for sustainable land management practices. Urbanization, though a minor contributor compared to agriculture, also plays a role in the changing landscape.

The net change in tree cover reveals a concerning trend, with a loss of nearly 4.90 million hectares and a modest gain of about 583,000 hectares. Disturbances have affected over 2 million hectares, further exacerbating the net loss. These figures highlight the urgency for interventions to mitigate the loss and promote recovery of the country's vital tree cover.

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