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2 Oct 2024

Zambia Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident in Muchinga Province
Zambia Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident in Muchinga Province

Zambia is facing a significant environmental challenge as recent data reveals an escalating trend in tree cover loss, with a recent fire incident reported in Muchinga Province. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of 7.31% in tree cover, which equates to a decrease of approximately 2.87 million hectares from its original extent. The primary driver of this loss is shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the deforestation, followed by urbanization, wildfires, and forestry activities.

The impact of these losses is substantial, considering that Zambia's total area spans over 75 million hectares, with tree cover initially extending over 24 million hectares. The country's tree cover loss peaked in 2010 with over 173,000 hectares affected, marking the highest recorded incident within the period. This loss not only affects the landscape but also contributes to gross emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents, exacerbating climate change concerns.

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The latest fire alert from Muchinga Province is a stark reminder of the persistent threat wildfires pose to Zambia's forests and ecosystems. While the incident count for this particular event stands at one, the cumulative effect of such incidents over the years has been detrimental to the country's tree cover and carbon sequestration capacity.

As Zambia continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the data underscores the need for sustainable land management practices and effective strategies to mitigate tree cover loss. The country's rich biodiversity and natural resources are at stake, calling for concerted efforts to preserve and protect its remaining forests.

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