A recent incident in the Republic of Congo has brought to light the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. On August 9, 2024, a fire alert was registered in the Bouenza region, marking yet another event in a series of deforestation incidents. Over the past two decades, the Republic of Congo has seen a significant change in its tree cover. Despite having an area of over 34 million hectares, with approximately 26 million hectares covered by trees, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover.
Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the primary driver of tree cover loss, responsible for the vast majority of the deforestation. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, also plays a role in the reduction of tree cover. The cumulative effect of these activities over the years has led to a net change in tree cover with a 1.38% decrease, which translates to a net loss of over 331,000 hectares.
Explore country profileThe environmental impact is profound, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent gross emissions associated with the loss of tree cover. The trend is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between land use for human activities and the preservation of natural ecosystems. The incident in Bouenza is not an isolated one but a snapshot of a larger pattern of environmental degradation that requires attention and action.
