Namibia's Tree Cover Faces Challenges with Latest Fire Incident in Otjozondjupa Region

Namibia's Tree Cover Faces Challenges with Latest Fire Incident in Otjozondjupa Region

Namibia, a country with an area of over 82 million hectares, has a relatively small tree cover extent of approximately 3835 hectares. Over the years, the country has experienced various challenges that have affected its tree cover. The latest incident reported on September 10, 2024, was a fire in the Otjozondjupa Region, which adds to the ongoing concern for the country's natural resources.

Analyzing historical data, it is evident that shifting agriculture has been a significant driver of tree cover loss in Namibia, contributing to substantial emissions of CO2 equivalent gases. For instance, in 2001, shifting agriculture was responsible for over 41% of the total tree cover loss. Wildfires, although not consistently reported, have also played a role in the loss, with notable incidents causing both tree cover loss and emissions.