Zimbabwe is grappling with a significant decline in tree cover, exacerbated by a recent fire incident in Mashonaland West Province. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a net loss of 398,438 hectares of tree cover, a concerning figure that represents a 5.91% decrease from the original extent. The primary drivers of this loss have been shifting agriculture and forestry activities, which together account for the majority of the tree cover reduction.
The latest incident on August 4, 2024, adds to the challenges faced by Zimbabwe's natural landscapes. While the incident count stands at one, the cumulative effect of such events over time has contributed to the broader trend of environmental degradation. Wildfires, although not the leading cause of tree cover loss, still play a significant role and have resulted in considerable emissions of CO2 equivalent gases.
Explore country profileZimbabwe's tree cover, which currently spans over 1.40 million hectares, is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, supporting agriculture, and providing livelihoods. The loss of such cover not only threatens these benefits but also exacerbates climate change impacts through increased carbon emissions. The country's struggle with tree cover loss highlights the need for sustainable land management practices and the importance of addressing the root causes of deforestation.
