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.