Zimbabwe has experienced a significant decrease in tree cover over the years, with the latest incident on November 10, 2024, in Mashonaland East Province, marking a continuation of this trend. The country's tree cover extent stands at approximately 1.41 million hectares, which has been subject to various drivers of deforestation. Shifting agriculture and forestry activities have been the primary causes, contributing to the majority of tree cover loss. Since 2001, the nation has seen a net loss of nearly 400,000 hectares of tree cover, equating to a 5.91% decrease. This loss has not only affected the landscape but also contributed to significant CO2 emissions. The latest fire incident, although isolated, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Zimbabwe faces in managing its natural resources and the need for concerted efforts to mitigate further loss.
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