Kazakhstan has recently encountered a wildfire incident in the Jambyl Region, reflecting ongoing environmental challenges. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net change in tree cover that includes a loss of approximately 40,807 hectares and a gain of about 71,223 hectares, resulting in a net positive change of roughly 30,416 hectares. This equates to a net increase of 0.77% in tree cover, considering the total area of 273 million hectares.
Forestry activities have been a significant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the total loss each year. Wildfires, while less impactful than forestry in terms of hectares lost, have been a consistent factor contributing to tree cover loss. The latest incident underscores the persistent risk that wildfires pose to Kazakhstan's forests, which cover over 4.20 million hectares.
Explore country profileThe country's forest dynamics have been characterized by disturbances and recovery, with the data indicating a complex interplay between loss and gain in tree cover. The overall trend suggests a gradual improvement in forest cover, but incidents like the recent wildfire highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and management to protect these vital ecosystems.
