Venezuela has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the years, with the latest incident reported on December 9, 2024, in the Guárico region. The country, which spans over 91 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 56.50 million hectares. A trend analysis reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial percentage of the total deforestation. The data indicates a net change in tree cover with a loss of 1.86 million hectares and a gain of approximately 491,000 hectares, leading to a net loss of around 1.37 million hectares, which equates to a 2.49% change in tree cover.
The impact of such environmental changes is profound, affecting not only the carbon cycle due to the release of carbon emissions but also biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. The recent fire incident in Guárico serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Venezuela faces in managing its natural resources and the need for sustainable practices to mitigate further loss.
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