Ecuador has recently faced a new fire incident in the Los Rios region, reflecting an ongoing challenge for the country's forest conservation efforts. Over the past two decades, Ecuador has experienced significant fluctuations in tree cover loss, with a net change of -1.49%. The country's tree cover extent spans over 19 million hectares, with a recorded loss of nearly 495,000 hectares and a gain of approximately 219,000 hectares.
Shifting agriculture remains the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, also plays a role in the reduction of tree cover. Notably, incidents such as wildfires, although minimal in comparison to other factors, add to the cumulative impact on Ecuador's forests.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in Los Rios is a stark reminder of the persistent threats to Ecuador's rich biodiversity and the importance of sustainable land management practices. As the country continues to navigate the delicate balance between development and conservation, the focus on mitigating tree cover loss remains crucial for the health of its ecosystems and the global environment.
