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4 Nov 2024

Malawi Confronts Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents
Malawi Confronts Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

Malawi, a country with a total area of over 11.80 million hectares, has been facing an alarming trend of tree cover loss over the past two decades. The country's tree cover, which extends over approximately 1.50 million hectares, has experienced significant disturbances, with a net loss of over 222,000 hectares, marking a 7.88% decrease in tree cover stability.

The predominant driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss each year. Forestry activities, while contributing to the loss, represent a much smaller fraction. The data reveals a concerning pattern of escalating tree cover loss, with the most recent year, 2022, recording a loss of nearly 14,858 hectares.

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Adding to the environmental challenges, Malawi has also reported fire incidents, with the latest alert coming from the Northern Region on November 4, 2024. This single incident adds to the cumulative impact on the country's natural resources and highlights the ongoing threat to Malawi's biodiversity and environmental health.

The trend of tree cover loss and fire incidents in Malawi raises critical concerns about the sustainability of its natural resources and the long-term implications for the country's environment and rural communities dependent on these lands for their livelihoods.

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