South Africa Witnesses Significant Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

South Africa Witnesses Significant Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

South Africa has experienced a notable decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with a recent fire incident reported in the Eastern Cape on October 5, 2024, underscoring ongoing environmental challenges. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at approximately 5.98 million hectares, has seen a net loss of around 141,776 hectares, equating to a 1.86% decrease. This loss is primarily driven by activities such as shifting agriculture and forestry, which together account for the majority of the tree cover loss. Shifting agriculture alone has resulted in a loss of over 12,000 hectares in the latest recorded year, while forestry activities have led to a loss of over 27,000 hectares. Wildfires and urbanization also contribute to the decline, albeit to a lesser extent. The cumulative impact of these drivers not only affects the landscape but also has significant implications for carbon emissions and biodiversity.