Angola has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss, which has been exacerbated by incidents such as wildfires. Over the years, the country has seen a fluctuating but overall increasing trend in the loss of tree cover, particularly due to shifting agriculture, which remains the primary driver. The data indicates that shifting agriculture accounted for the vast majority of tree cover loss, with a notable percentage increase in recent years.
The impact of wildfires, while comparatively smaller, has also been a consistent concern. The latest incident reported from Cuando Cubango Province on October 4, 2024, underscores the ongoing threat that these fires pose to the region's ecosystems. The cumulative effect of these factors has led to a net loss in tree cover, with a 4.41% decrease over the assessed period.
Explore country profileThis loss of tree cover not only affects the natural biodiversity of Angola but also has broader implications for climate change, as trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The loss of over 3.40 million hectares of tree cover, coupled with the gain of just over 1.20 million hectares, has resulted in a net negative change, highlighting the need for increased attention to sustainable land management practices.
