The Republic of Congo has witnessed a significant increase in tree cover loss over the past two decades, raising serious environmental concerns. With a total land area of over 34 million hectares, the country's tree cover extent stands at approximately 26 million hectares. However, the trend of deforestation has been alarming. The predominant driver of this loss is shifting agriculture, which has consistently accounted for the majority of tree cover loss each year, followed by urbanization and forestry activities.
From 2001 to 2022, the Republic of Congo experienced a net loss of tree cover of approximately 332,000 hectares, which equates to a 1.38% decrease in tree cover. This loss of tree cover not only impacts the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region but also contributes to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The latest incident data from September 2024 indicates a fire alert in the Bouenza region, adding to the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the country.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses over the years has been profound, with the highest annual tree cover loss recorded in 2016, amounting to over 114,000 hectares. While the data does show some gains in tree cover, these have been insufficient to offset the losses, resulting in a net negative change. The trend highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and preserve the Republic of Congo's rich natural heritage.
