Shifting agriculture remains the leading driver of this loss, with other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization contributing to a lesser extent. The impact of wildfires, while relatively small in comparison to agriculture, has been persistent, with incidents occurring annually.
The latest fire alert in Lualaba underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the DRC's forests to various disturbances. The country's rich biodiversity and vast forested areas continue to face pressures that not only affect local ecosystems but also have broader implications for global climate change mitigation efforts.