Rwanda Confronts Environmental Challenge as Tree Cover Changes

Rwanda Confronts Environmental Challenge as Tree Cover Changes

Rwanda, known for its lush landscapes, is facing a significant environmental challenge. Over the years, the country has experienced a net change in tree cover that reflects a loss of 33,31.75 hectares, against a gain of 16,61.38 hectares. This represents a net loss of 16,970.36 hectares, a concerning change of -2.86%. The latest incident in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, with a single fire alert, underscores the ongoing threats to the region's tree cover.

Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost. Urbanization, while less significant in terms of area, still contributes to the overall reduction in tree cover. Over the years, the cumulative impact of these activities has led to substantial emissions of CO2, with millions of metric tons released into the atmosphere, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.