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5 Jan 2025

Central African Republic Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss
Central African Republic Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss

The Central African Republic, with an area of over 62 million hectares, is facing a significant decline in its tree cover. Over the years, the country has experienced a steady increase in tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture. This practice alone has been responsible for the vast majority of the tree cover loss, with a negligible amount attributed to forestry activities and wildfires.

A comprehensive analysis of the data from 2001 to 2023 reveals that the total tree cover loss amounted to over 1.20 million hectares, which is approximately 2.57% of the country's total tree cover. The net change in tree cover shows a loss of 727,830.53 hectares, indicating a negative trend of -1.32% in tree cover stability.

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The most recent incident in Ouaka highlights the ongoing challenge of managing tree cover loss. On January 5, 2025, a fire alert was registered in the region, adding to the country's environmental concerns. This incident, although isolated, is a part of the broader issue of tree cover loss that the Central African Republic has been grappling with for over two decades.

The consequences of this loss are far-reaching, impacting not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of the country. The decline in tree cover can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and changes in the climate, which in turn can affect agriculture, water resources, and the livelihoods of local communities.

As the Central African Republic continues to face these environmental challenges, the data underscores the need for a concerted effort to manage and mitigate tree cover loss for the preservation of the country's natural heritage and the well-being of its inhabitants.

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