In a single day, the Sud-Ubangi region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) experienced a fire incident, underscoring the persistent threat to one of the world's most significant forested areas. The DRC, with an expansive forest cover of over 199 million hectares, has faced a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares of tree cover in recent years, marking a 3.55% decrease. The primary driver of this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss.
The data over the years reveals a troubling trend, with the highest recorded tree cover loss in 2017, reaching nearly 1.47 million hectares. Urbanization also contributes to the challenge, although to a lesser extent. Despite some gains in tree cover, the net loss remains substantial, indicating a critical need for attention to the country's forest management practices.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in Sud-Ubangi is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental pressures facing the DRC. With each fire alert, the urgency for sustainable solutions becomes more apparent, as the country grapples with preserving its natural heritage while fostering economic development.
