Honduras has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of approximately 3% of its tree cover area. The latest incident, a fire alert in the Choluteca region, underscores the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation activities. Urbanization, although contributing to a lesser extent, also plays a role in the diminishing green landscape of Honduras.
The data reveals a worrying trend, with the highest recorded tree cover loss in 2016, where over 188,000 hectares were affected. Wildfires have consistently been a contributing factor, with a notable increase in tree cover loss due to fires in 2023. Despite some gains in tree cover, the overall trajectory points to a loss that outpaces regrowth. This pattern of tree cover loss not only impacts the natural biodiversity of Honduras but also has broader implications for climate change and the well-being of its inhabitants.
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