In a recent incident, Russia faced a wildfire in the Primorsky Krai region, reflecting a persistent challenge in managing forest fires and tree cover loss. Over the years, Russia has experienced significant fluctuations in tree cover loss due to various factors, with wildfires being a primary driver. Analysis of historical data shows that tree cover loss in Russia has been a recurring issue, with a notable increase in the years 2012, 2016, and 2021. Wildfires have consistently been the leading cause of tree cover loss, contributing to substantial carbon emissions.
The impact of these losses is not negligible, considering Russia's vast forested area. The country's tree cover extends over 761 million hectares, which is a significant portion of its total land area. Despite efforts to manage and reduce tree cover loss, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a slight decrease of 0.02% over the years. This loss is a concern for environmental stability and carbon sequestration capacity.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in Primorsky Krai is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against natural and human-induced factors that contribute to tree cover loss. With forestry activities and shifting agriculture also playing roles, albeit smaller, in this loss, the focus on sustainable practices and effective wildfire management becomes increasingly important for preserving Russia's forest resources.
