The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported a fire incident in the Nord-Ubangi region, adding to the country's ongoing environmental challenges. Over the years, the DRC has experienced significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture, which has been the leading cause for over two decades. The data reveals a disturbing trend, with a net loss of 6,001,904.69 hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 3.55% decrease in the country's tree cover extent.
Shifting agriculture alone has resulted in the loss of millions of hectares of tree cover, with urbanization and forestry also contributing to the decline. Wildfires, although not the primary driver, have been persistent, as evidenced by the recent fire alert in Nord-Ubangi. The cumulative effect of these factors has had a substantial impact on the DRC's forested areas, which play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and the preservation of biodiversity.
Explore country profileThe loss of tree cover not only has ecological consequences but also affects the livelihoods of local communities and the overall climate resilience of the region. The DRC's vast forests are among the most biodiverse in the world, and their degradation could have far-reaching implications for global climate goals and the health of the planet.
