Mozambique has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported on September 12, 2024, in the Maputo Province. The country, which boasts an area of over 78 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 28.90 million hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals a concerning trend, with a net loss of over 4.30 million hectares of tree cover, equating to a 10.20% decrease. Shifting agriculture has been identified as the predominant driver of this loss, contributing to the vast majority of deforestation.
The impact of this loss is profound, not only on the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region but also on the carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of these activities. Urbanization, while not as significant a factor as agriculture, also plays a role in the changing landscape. The single latest fire incident, although minor in count, is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in managing and preserving Mozambique's natural resources.
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