Venezuela's rich forest landscape is facing a significant threat as recent data indicates a disturbing trend of tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 1.37 million hectares of tree cover, which is about a 2.49% decrease from its original extent. This loss is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation, followed by forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization.
The most recent incident in Guárico, Venezuela, where a fire alert was recorded on January 10, 2025, is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges facing the country's forests. Wildfires alone have contributed to significant emissions of carbon, with the most recent year's data showing over 593,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent released due to such incidents.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses is not only a matter of environmental concern but also has profound implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the livelihoods of local communities. The data reveals a pressing need for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and preserve Venezuela's remaining forests for future generations.
