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 profile