Libya has experienced a notable shift in its tree cover over the years, with recent data indicating a fire incident in the Al Wahat District. The country's tree cover extent stands at approximately 6,833 hectares, a minuscule fraction of its vast land area of over 161 million hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which has been the most significant driver when specified. The most substantial loss occurred in 2013, with over 81 hectares affected.
The net change in tree cover shows a dynamic landscape with a loss of 663 hectares and a gain of approximately 1,499 hectares, resulting in a net positive change of around 836 hectares. This equates to a net increase of about 3.48% in tree cover over the observed period. The latest incident report from 2024 highlights a single fire alert in the Al Wahat District, underscoring the ongoing environmental challenges facing the region.
Explore country profileAs the country grapples with these environmental shifts, the impact on local ecosystems and the broader implications for climate and habitat remain areas of concern. The data underscores the need for continued monitoring and strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and manage incidents that may threaten the remaining tree cover.
