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4 Oct 2024

DRC Battles Tree Cover Loss Amid Shifting Agriculture and Urbanization
DRC Battles Tree Cover Loss Amid Shifting Agriculture and Urbanization

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture practices. Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for an overwhelming majority of the hectares lost over the years. Urbanization also contributes to this loss, albeit to a lesser extent.

From 2001 to 2022, the DRC experienced a net loss of over 6 million hectares of tree cover, which is approximately a 3.55% decrease from its original tree cover extent. This loss is juxtaposed against a backdrop of a total area of over 232 million hectares, with tree cover initially extending over 199 million hectares.

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The most recent incident in Lomami highlights the ongoing challenges the country faces with environmental degradation. On October 4, 2024, a fire alert was registered in the region, adding to the cumulative impact of such incidents on the nation's forest reserves.

The trend of tree cover loss in the DRC poses significant concerns for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of local communities. While the country has seen some gains in tree cover, the disturbances and net losses indicate a pressing need for sustainable land management practices to reverse the negative trend and preserve the DRC's rich natural heritage.

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