Benin has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover over the years, with a recent fire incident reported in the Atakora Department, highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges. The country's tree cover extent stands at approximately 168,568 hectares, which is a mere 1.46% of its total land area of over 11.50 million hectares. Over the past two decades, the trend has been worrisome, with a net loss of tree cover amounting to 358,091 hectares, marking a 7.12% decrease in tree cover.
Shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of tree cover loss, responsible for the vast majority of the deforestation. Urbanization, although contributing to a lesser extent, has also played a role in the reduction of green spaces. The cumulative impact of these activities has not only reduced the tree cover but has also led to significant emissions of CO2, further exacerbating the environmental impact.
Explore country profileThe latest incident of a fire in the Atakora Department, although isolated, is a stark reminder of the susceptibility of the region to environmental hazards. The data underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to land management that balances agricultural needs with environmental conservation. The loss of tree cover in Benin is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention to safeguard the country's natural heritage and mitigate the effects of climate change.
