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5 Oct 2024

Tanzania Battles Rising Deforestation Rates with Recent Fire Incident in Kigoma Region
Tanzania Battles Rising Deforestation Rates with Recent Fire Incident in Kigoma Region

Tanzania has witnessed a concerning trend of deforestation over the years, with the latest incident being a fire alert in the Kigoma Region. The country, known for its vast landscapes and rich biodiversity, has an area of over 94 million hectares, of which approximately 28% is covered by trees. However, this tree cover has been under threat, with a net loss of over 3.80 million hectares, marking an 11.30% decrease in tree cover.

The primary driver of tree cover loss has been shifting agriculture, contributing to the vast majority of deforestation. This practice, along with other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization, has led to significant carbon emissions. Over the years, the trend has shown an alarming increase in tree cover loss, with notable spikes in certain years.

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In 2022 alone, Tanzania experienced a tree cover loss of over 160,000 hectares. Shifting agriculture remained the dominant cause, accounting for a staggering loss of over 155,000 hectares. Forestry activities, wildfires, and urban expansion also played a role, albeit to a lesser extent.

The recent fire incident in the Kigoma Region is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Tanzania faces in preserving its forests. With each fire and tree cover loss, the country's natural heritage and the global fight against climate change suffer a setback. The cumulative effect of these losses over the years underscores the need for concerted efforts to protect and restore Tanzania's forests.

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