Madagascar, known for its unique biodiversity, is facing a significant environmental challenge as tree cover loss continues to escalate. Over the past two decades, the island nation has seen a substantial decrease in its tree cover. Notably, the total area of tree cover loss amounted to over 4.50 million hectares, which is a staggering 26.30% of its total tree cover extent. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this loss, contributing to an overwhelming majority of the deforestation.
The impact of wildfires, although less significant in comparison to agriculture, has been persistent, with recent data indicating an incident in the Menabe region. The cumulative effect of these incidents and other factors has led to a net negative change in tree cover, with a 5.89% decrease, highlighting a critical situation that requires attention.
Explore country profileThe loss of tree cover not only threatens the island's rich biodiversity but also poses a risk to the climate through increased carbon emissions. Madagascar's situation underscores the need for a global conversation on sustainable land use and the protection of natural habitats to prevent further environmental degradation.
