Argentina has witnessed significant environmental changes over the past two decades, with a noticeable impact on its tree cover. The country, with an area of over 278 million hectares, has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 3.56 million hectares, which is a 10.45% decrease from its original tree cover extent. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which is responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, followed by forestry activities.
The data reveals that shifting agriculture alone has led to a loss of tens of thousands of hectares each year, with the highest recorded loss in 2022 at over 78,000 hectares. Forestry activities also contribute significantly, with an annual loss ranging from 27,000 to 65,000 hectares in recent years. Wildfires and urbanization, while less impactful than the aforementioned drivers, still contribute to the overall decline in tree cover.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, where a fire alert was recorded, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing its natural resources. The cumulative effect of these incidents and the broader trend of land use change underscores the need for concerted efforts to address deforestation and promote sustainable land management practices.
