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4 Jan 2025

Central African Republic Grapples with Rising Tree Cover Loss
Central African Republic Grapples with Rising Tree Cover Loss

The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing a significant challenge in preserving its tree cover. Over the years, the nation has seen a worrying trend of deforestation, primarily driven by shifting agriculture. The country, which boasts an area of over 62 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 47 million hectares. However, this lush greenery is under threat, with a net loss of over 727,830 hectares, marking a negative change of around 1.32% in its tree cover stability.

The data reveals that shifting agriculture is the leading cause of tree cover loss, with millions of hectares affected and consequent emissions of CO2. The year 2021 alone saw over 67,180 hectares of tree cover lost, with shifting agriculture accounting for the vast majority of this loss. This pattern of land use change for agricultural purposes has been consistent over the years, leading to a substantial cumulative impact on the country's forests and carbon emissions.

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In addition to the ongoing deforestation, the CAR recently reported a fire incident in the Nana-Mambéré region, further highlighting the environmental challenges the country faces. While the number of incidents remains relatively low, with only one reported fire alert on January 4, 2025, the potential for wildfires to exacerbate tree cover loss is a concern.

The loss of tree cover not only affects the carbon cycle and contributes to climate change but also has implications for biodiversity, water cycles, and the livelihoods of local communities. The ongoing trend underscores the need for sustainable land management practices to balance the needs of agricultural development with environmental conservation.

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