Angola's Tree Cover Faces Challenge with Recent Fire Incident in Cuando Cubango

Angola's Tree Cover Faces Challenge with Recent Fire Incident in Cuando Cubango

Angola has experienced a significant fire incident in the Cuando Cubango Province, as reported on September 3, 2024. This event adds to the country's ongoing environmental challenges, which have seen a net loss in tree cover over the years. Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost and the associated CO2 emissions. The cumulative effect of these losses has resulted in a net change of -4.41% in tree cover. While the overall tree cover extent in Angola remains substantial, the persistent loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture, coupled with incidents such as wildfires, continues to pose a threat to the country's forest resources. The recent fire alert underscores the need for continued monitoring and strategies to mitigate the impact of such incidents on Angola's valuable tree cover.