Forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization also contribute to the loss, but to a lesser extent compared to shifting agriculture. Wildfires, although not the most significant driver, have a persistent presence, indicating an ongoing risk to Venezuela's forests. The latest incident in Falcón, Venezuela, with a single fire alert, underscores the ever-present threat of wildfires to the tree cover.
The net change in tree cover over the years paints a concerning picture. Despite some gains, the overall loss has led to a net negative change of approximately 1.37 million hectares, which translates to a 2.49% decrease in tree cover. This loss of tree cover is not only a loss of trees but also a loss of the ecosystem services they provide, including carbon sequestration, which is critical in the fight against climate change.
The data underscores the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land management and conservation strategies to address the drivers of deforestation and protect Venezuela's valuable forest resources.
