Zimbabwe has faced a significant environmental challenge over the years, with the latest incident on August 9, 2024, in Mashonaland East Province, marking yet another fire event threatening its tree cover. The country, with an area of over 39 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 1.40 million hectares. However, this green asset has been under consistent pressure, with a net loss of nearly 400,000 hectares, marking a 5.91% decrease in tree cover.
The primary drivers of tree cover loss have been shifting agriculture and forestry, contributing to the majority of the deforestation. Over the years, these two factors have led to the most significant tree cover losses and associated CO2 emissions. Wildfires and urbanization, although less impactful in terms of area, have also played a role in the depletion of Zimbabwe's forests.
Explore country profileThe environmental implications of these losses are profound, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and soil health. The recent fire incident, although small in scale, is a reminder of the persistent threats to Zimbabwe's natural resources. The country's tree cover is not just a statistic; it represents a critical component of the ecosystem that requires ongoing attention and protection.
