The year 2022 alone saw a tree cover loss of over 52,577 hectares, with shifting agriculture again playing a significant role. While the data for wildfires in 2022 is not available, the single fire incident reported in Manabí in 2024 underscores the ongoing challenges Ecuador faces in preserving its forests.
The loss of tree cover has implications not only for biodiversity and ecosystems but also for carbon emissions, with millions of metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent being released into the atmosphere over the years. As the country continues to tackle these environmental concerns, the recent fire alert serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to Ecuador's natural heritage.
