Madagascar Faces Alarming Tree Cover Decline and New Incident in Menabe Region

Madagascar Faces Alarming Tree Cover Decline and New Incident in Menabe Region

Madagascar is grappling with a significant decline in its tree cover, with a net loss of approximately 6% over recent years. The island nation has seen a reduction of over 1 million hectares in tree cover, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for a staggering 95% of this loss. Other contributors include forestry activities and urbanization. In 2026, a new incident was reported in the Menabe region, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges. The persistent loss of tree cover poses severe ecological and socio-economic impacts, urging a need for sustainable practices. The recent incident in Menabe underscores the urgency of addressing these environmental issues to safeguard Madagascar's rich biodiversity and natural resources.