Zambia has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades. The country, which spans over 75 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 32% of its total land area. However, recent data indicates a troubling trend, with a net loss of over 2.87 million hectares of tree cover, marking a 7.30% decrease. The primary driver of this loss is shifting agriculture, contributing to the vast majority of the deforestation.
The latest incident in the Southern Province of Zambia, reported on September 8, 2024, adds to the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. While the number of incidents has varied annually, the overarching impact on Zambia's natural resources is clear. The loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity but also has significant implications for carbon emissions and climate change, given the role of forests as carbon sinks.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses is a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable land management practices. As Zambia continues to grapple with the consequences of environmental degradation, the focus shifts to the broader discussions on conservation and the protection of its remaining natural landscapes.
