Zimbabwe's tree cover, which originally spanned over 1.40 million hectares, has been under consistent pressure, with the highest annual loss recorded in 2017 at over 25,000 hectares. While there have been gains in tree cover in some years, the overall trend points to a troubling pattern of environmental degradation. This trend not only threatens biodiversity and natural habitats but also poses risks to the climate through increased CO2 emissions.
The data serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable land management practices and the importance of preserving natural forests. As Zimbabwe continues to navigate these environmental challenges, the focus on reversing the trend of tree cover loss remains critical for the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations.