Cameroon, a country with a vast area of over 46.60 million hectares, continues to face significant environmental challenges. Recent data reveals a concerning trend in tree cover dynamics, with a net decrease of approximately 1.71% over the years. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority of tree cover loss. In 2025 alone, over 206,000 hectares were lost, with shifting agriculture responsible for nearly 48.40% of this loss.
The latest incident in Borno, Nigeria, underscores the ongoing environmental struggles faced by Cameroon. Although the incident count remains low, it highlights the persistent threat of environmental degradation in the region. The historical data from 2001 to 2025 shows a consistent pattern of tree cover loss, with significant contributions from forestry and urbanization as well.
Cameroon's tree cover extent stands at approximately 31.50 million hectares, but the net change indicates a loss of over 625,000 hectares. This ongoing trend raises concerns about the sustainability of the country's natural resources and the need for effective environmental management strategies.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues affecting Cameroon and the need for collective efforts to address these challenges. As the country navigates these environmental hurdles, it is crucial to foster discussions on sustainable practices and conservation efforts to preserve its rich biodiversity.