Zambia has experienced a significant incident of fire in the Northern Province, as reported on September 11, 2024. This latest event is part of a concerning trend in the country, which has seen substantial tree cover loss over the past two decades. According to recent data, Zambia's total area spans over 75 million hectares, with approximately 32% covered by trees. However, the country has faced a net loss in tree cover of about 2.87 million hectares, marking a 7.30% decrease.
The primary driver behind this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the vast majority of tree cover loss. This practice, along with urbanization, forestry, and wildfires, has led to significant environmental impacts, including the release of millions of metric tons of CO2 emissions. The data reveals a persistent rise in incidents that contribute to the degradation of Zambia's forests, with shifting agriculture consistently being the leading cause.
Explore country profileThe recent fire alert underscores the ongoing challenges in managing and protecting Zambia's forest resources. The loss of tree cover not only affects the local ecosystem but also has broader implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these forests. The incident in the Northern Province is a stark reminder of the fragility of these ecosystems and the need for concerted efforts to safeguard them.
