The DRC's vast forested area, which originally spanned over 199 million hectares, has seen a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares over the analyzed period. While there has been some gain in tree cover, amounting to over 1.50 million hectares, it has not been sufficient to offset the losses incurred. The country's net change in tree cover reflects a persistent challenge in maintaining its forest resources amidst various anthropogenic pressures.
The recent incident in Haut-Lomami serves as a reminder of the continuous threat that fires pose to the DRC's forests. It also highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and strategies to mitigate the impact of human activities on the country's precious tree cover.