In a recent environmental update, Iraq has faced a new challenge with a fire incident reported in the Basra Governorate. This incident adds to the country's ongoing struggle with changes in tree cover, which is a critical environmental indicator. Over the years, Iraq has experienced a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss and gain, with a net increase in tree cover of approximately 0.02%. However, the total tree cover loss over the years has amounted to a concerning figure, despite the lack of data on specific drivers such as shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization.
The country's tree cover extent, which currently stands at a mere 0.04% of its total land area, has seen a net change that includes both losses and gains. The stability of the remaining tree cover is crucial for the country's ecological balance and the well-being of its inhabitants. The latest fire incident, although isolated, underscores the vulnerability of Iraq's environment to such disturbances and the need for vigilant monitoring and protection of its natural resources.
Explore country profileAs Iraq navigates these environmental challenges, the focus on sustainable practices and the protection of its limited tree cover becomes increasingly important. The overall trend suggests a slow but positive trajectory in tree cover gain, which is a silver lining in the broader context of environmental conservation in the region.
