In a concerning environmental development, Ecuador has faced a significant loss of tree cover over the years, with recent incidents highlighting the ongoing challenges. The latest fire alert in the Los Rios region underscores the persistent threat to the country's rich biodiversity. Ecuador, with an area of over 25 million hectares, boasts a tree cover extent of approximately 19 million hectares. However, data reveals a troubling trend of tree cover loss, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of the loss.
Over the years, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a decrease of approximately 1.50%. This loss equates to nearly 495,000 hectares, partially offset by a gain of around 219,000 hectares. The disturbances contributing to this decline are not solely due to natural causes like wildfires, which are minimal, but also due to human activities such as urbanization.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses is significant, with shifting agriculture being the leading cause, followed by forestry activities. Urbanization, although contributing to a lesser extent, still plays a role in the reduction of tree cover. The latest fire incident, although isolated, acts as a reminder of the vulnerability of Ecuador's forests and the need for continued vigilance and sustainable management practices to preserve these critical ecosystems for future generations.
