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1 Sept 2024

Ukraine's Forests Face Continuous Struggle with Wildfires and Urban Expansion
Ukraine's Forests Face Continuous Struggle with Wildfires and Urban Expansion

Ukraine's forests have been facing a persistent battle against various factors leading to tree cover loss, with recent incidents in Luhansk Oblast underscoring the ongoing challenges. Over the years, forestry activities have been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, contributing to significant changes in the landscape. The data reveals that forestry alone was responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, with figures such as 45,562 hectares in 2022, which is a notable percentage of that year's total loss.

Wildfires have also been a consistent threat, with incidents varying in impact each year. In 2022, wildfires accounted for 928 hectares of tree cover loss, a significant increase from previous years, indicating a worrying trend. Urbanization, while contributing to a smaller fraction of the loss, has been a steady presence, with figures like 56 hectares in 2022 showcasing the continuous pressure on forest lands due to expanding human settlements.

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The net change in tree cover over the years paints a picture of resilience amidst adversity. Despite a total loss of 499,821 hectares, there has been a gain of 926,367 hectares, leading to a net positive change. However, the disturbance to the forest cover, amounting to 895,296 hectares, cannot be overlooked, as it represents a significant shift in forest stability and health.

The latest fire alert from Luhansk Oblast, although isolated, is a reminder of the persistent risk wildfires pose to Ukraine's forests. It is a call to attention for the country's forest conservation efforts and the need to address the underlying causes of these losses to ensure the sustainability of these vital ecosystems.

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