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4 Dec 2024

Burkina Faso Grapples with Environmental Challenges as Tree Cover Loss Persists
Burkina Faso Grapples with Environmental Challenges as Tree Cover Loss Persists

In a recent environmental assessment, Burkina Faso has been grappling with significant tree cover loss, which continues to pose challenges for the nation's ecological balance. Over the years, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a total of 151,938 hectares lost, partially offset by a gain of 142,766 hectares. This equates to a net loss of approximately 9,172 hectares, signifying a 0.36% decrease in tree cover from the total land area.

The primary driver of this deforestation has been identified as shifting agriculture, which alone is responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss. The environmental impact of this loss is further compounded by the emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), which have fluctuated over the years, reaching tens of thousands of metric tons annually.

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In the latest incident, a fire alert was reported on December 4, 2024, in the Centre-Est Region of Burkina Faso, marking a continued trend of environmental disturbances that the country faces. These incidents not only threaten the remaining tree cover but also have broader implications for biodiversity, soil erosion, and climate change.

The net change in tree cover reflects the ongoing struggle between conservation efforts and the pressures of agricultural expansion. The stability of over 2.35 million hectares of tree cover is a positive sign, yet the persistent loss and minimal gains highlight the need for more effective strategies to protect and restore Burkina Faso's forests.

As the country moves forward, the data underscores the importance of sustainable land management practices and the urgent need to address the underlying causes of deforestation. The environmental challenges faced by Burkina Faso serve as a microcosm of the global struggle to balance human activity with ecological preservation.

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