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6 Aug 2024

Alarming Tree Cover Loss in Republic of Congo Raises Environmental Concerns
Alarming Tree Cover Loss in Republic of Congo Raises Environmental Concerns

The Republic of Congo is witnessing a significant decline in its tree cover, a trend that has raised serious environmental concerns. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 331,681 hectares, which equates to a 1.38% decrease from its original extent. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of tree cover loss, followed by urbanization and forestry activities.

The most recent incident in the Pool region, where a fire alert was recorded on August 6, 2024, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges the country faces in preserving its forests. While the incident data shows only one alert, the cumulative effect of such incidents over time has contributed to the country's environmental degradation.

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The area of tree cover loss over the years has fluctuated, with the highest recorded loss in 2016 at over 114,000 hectares. Shifting agriculture continues to be the leading driver, with urbanization also playing a significant role. The loss of tree cover has not only ecological consequences but also contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change.

The Republic of Congo's forests are a critical part of the Congo Basin, which is the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world. The ongoing loss of tree cover in this region is a matter of global concern, as it affects biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of local communities. The latest data serves as a call to action for more effective forest management and conservation strategies to reverse this worrying trend.

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