South Africa's Eastern Cape region reported a single fire incident on August 10, 2024, amidst a broader context of significant tree cover loss across the country. Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced a net loss of approximately 141,776 hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 1.86% decrease from its original tree cover extent. Notably, the forestry sector has been the predominant driver of this loss, followed by shifting agriculture.
The data reveals a fluctuating but overall downward trend in tree cover, with the highest annual loss recorded in 2017 at over 94,000 hectares. Conversely, the lowest loss occurred in 2022, with approximately 41,000 hectares lost. Wildfires, while contributing to the loss, have not been the primary cause, with other factors such as urbanization also playing a role.
Explore country profileThe impact of these changes is multifaceted, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and local communities. The recent fire incident in the Eastern Cape is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in managing and preserving South Africa's natural resources.
