Madagascar has witnessed a significant escalation in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported on September 9, 2024, in the Bongolava region. Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver, responsible for the majority of the tree cover loss. The country's tree cover extent, originally spanning over 17 million hectares, has experienced a net decrease of approximately 1.02 million hectares, marking a 5.89% change in tree cover.
The trend of tree cover loss has been alarming, with the highest recorded loss in 2017, amounting to over 510,000 hectares. While incidents of wildfires have contributed to this loss, their impact is considerably less than that of shifting agriculture and forestry activities. The data indicates a persistent challenge in managing land use and preserving Madagascar's unique biodiversity.
Explore country profileThe consequences of this loss extend beyond environmental degradation, potentially affecting the livelihoods of local communities and the overall ecological balance. The single fire alert in Bongolava is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against environmental decline in Madagascar.
