Between 2001 and 2022, the DRC has lost over 7.50 million hectares of tree cover, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. Despite a tree cover gain of around 1.59 million hectares, the net loss stands as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges the country faces. The disturbances to tree cover have also led to significant carbon emissions, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.
The latest fire incident in Haut-Katanga is a small yet significant indicator of the ongoing environmental degradation in the DRC. With each fire and loss of tree cover, the country's rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of its inhabitants are put at risk. The trend of tree cover loss and its associated impacts highlight the need for concerted efforts to address environmental sustainability in the region.
