The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a significant challenge with the loss of tree cover across the nation. Over the years, the country has seen a disturbing trend, with a net loss of 6,001,904.69 hectares, marking a 3.55% decrease in tree cover. This loss is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of the tree cover loss, followed by urbanization, forestry, and wildfires.
The latest incident in Haut-Katanga, where a fire alert has been reported, adds to the ongoing environmental concerns. This single incident, while seemingly minor with just one alert, is part of a larger pattern of disturbances that have plagued the DRC's vast forested regions. The cumulative effect of these incidents is substantial, with the total tree cover loss over the years resulting in significant ecological and environmental impacts.
Explore country profileThe DRC's forests are not only crucial for the local ecosystem but also for the global environment. The loss of tree cover has far-reaching consequences, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and contribution to climate change due to the release of stored carbon dioxide. The net change in tree cover reflects the urgency with which the situation needs to be addressed to preserve the DRC's natural heritage and mitigate the adverse effects on the climate.
