A recent fire incident in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has put a spotlight on the country's ongoing struggle with tree cover loss. Over the years, South Africa has experienced significant changes in its tree cover, with a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares, marking a 1.86% decrease in tree cover extent. Notably, the forestry sector has been the most significant driver of tree cover loss, followed by shifting agriculture.
From 2001 to 2022, the country lost over 1.30 million hectares of tree cover, which equates to a substantial increase in gross CO2 emissions. The year 2017 saw the highest tree cover loss at 94,55.93 hectares, while 2022 observed a relative decrease with 40,979.72 hectares lost. Wildfires, although not the leading cause, have been a consistent threat, contributing to the overall loss.
Explore country profileThe incident in KwaZulu-Natal is a reminder of the persistent risks facing South Africa's natural resources. The country's tree cover extent, which once stood at nearly 6 million hectares, now faces challenges from various fronts, including agriculture expansion, urbanization, and forestry practices. This trend underscores the need for sustainable management and conservation efforts to protect and restore South Africa's valuable tree cover for future generations.
