In a recent development, South Africa has reported a fire incident in the Eastern Cape region, marking a continued challenge in the nation's battle against tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced a significant fluctuation in tree cover loss due to various drivers, with forestry and shifting agriculture being the primary contributors. The data indicates a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares of tree cover, which is a 1.86% decrease from the stable tree cover.
The total tree cover loss over the years has been accompanied by substantial CO2 gross emissions, with forestry activities accounting for the majority. Shifting agriculture also plays a significant role, while urbanization and wildfires contribute to a lesser extent. The latest incident underscores the ongoing threat to South Africa's tree cover, which has seen a loss of over half a million hectares in the last two decades, despite gains of approximately 388,239.98 hectares.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover reflects the dynamic nature of the landscape, with disturbances affecting over 1.28 million hectares. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at just under 6 million hectares, is a critical component of its ecological balance, providing essential services such as carbon sequestration and habitat for biodiversity. The recent fire incident in Eastern Cape is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that South Africa's natural environment continues to face.
