The cumulative effect of these losses over the years is alarming. From 2001 to 2022, the country experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 2.87 million hectares, which equates to a 7.30% decrease in tree cover extent. This loss not only affects biodiversity and habitat but also has profound implications for carbon emissions and climate change, given the role of forests in carbon sequestration.
The latest fire incident, although seemingly small with just one alert, is part of a larger pattern of environmental disturbances that Zambia continues to grapple with. The country's struggle with tree cover loss highlights the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land use and conservation strategies to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
