Guinea Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Guinea Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

In Guinea, the loss of tree cover has become a pressing environmental concern. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a significant reduction in its tree cover, which has not only altered the landscape but also had profound implications for the local ecosystem and climate. The tree cover extent in Guinea, which spans over 8.10 million hectares, has seen a net loss of approximately 1.59 million hectares, marking an 8.34% decrease in tree cover.

The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover reduction. Wildfires have also played a significant role, contributing to both the loss of tree cover and the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Urbanization, while less significant in comparison, has also contributed to the reduction of tree cover.