Mozambique has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades. The country, which spans over 78 million hectares, has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a 10.21% decrease. This loss equates to approximately 4.90 million hectares, with a slight gain of around 583,000 hectares. The predominant driver of this decline is attributed to shifting agriculture, which alone accounts for the vast majority of tree cover loss. Urbanization, while a smaller factor, also contributes to the reduction.
The data indicates that the annual tree cover loss has fluctuated over the years, with a notable peak in 2017 when over 359,000 hectares were lost. This trend underscores the ongoing challenges Mozambique faces in managing its natural resources. The most recent incident, a fire alert in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique, adds to the environmental pressures. Although it accounts for a single incident, it highlights the persistent risk of wildfires in the region.
Explore country profileThe impact of these environmental changes is profound, affecting not just the landscape but also the ecological balance and carbon emissions. As Mozambique continues to confront these challenges, the data serves as a critical reminder of the importance of sustainable land management practices to mitigate further loss and promote recovery.
