The pattern of tree cover loss in Zambia underscores the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land management and the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance.
Zambia has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades. The latest incident, a fire alert in the Northern Province on September 2, 2024, adds to the growing concerns about the country's forest health. With an area of over 75 million hectares, Zambia's tree cover extends to nearly 24 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a 7.30% decrease, highlighting a loss of over 3.60 million hectares and a modest gain of approximately 768,000 hectares.
Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the deforestation. Urbanization, while less significant, still contributes to the loss, with incidents of wildfires and forestry activities having a relatively smaller impact. The cumulative effect of these drivers has not only reduced the tree cover but has also resulted in substantial CO2 gross emissions, with the latest available data indicating an alarming figure of nearly 70 million metric tons in 2022 alone.
Explore country profileThe pattern of tree cover loss in Zambia underscores the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land management and the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance.
