The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), known for its vast forests, has faced a significant challenge with a consistent increase in tree cover loss over the past two decades. The country, which spans over 232 million hectares, has seen a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares of tree cover, equating to a 3.55% decrease in its forested area. The primary driver of this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the vast majority of tree cover loss. Other contributing factors include urbanization, forestry activities, and wildfires, with shifting agriculture alone accounting for over 98% of the tree cover loss.
The latest incident in Sud-Ubangi highlights the ongoing environmental crisis. On December 3, 2024, a fire alert was registered in the region, adding to the list of incidents that have compounded the country's environmental degradation. While the number of incidents may vary annually, the trend is clear: the DRC's forests are under siege, and the repercussions for biodiversity, climate, and local communities are profound. The loss of forests not only diminishes carbon sequestration capacity but also threatens the rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on these ecosystems.
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