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.
