The consequences of this deforestation are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and local livelihoods. As Madagascar continues to lose tree cover, the urgency to address these environmental issues becomes more pressing.
Madagascar has faced a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years, a trend that has continued with the latest fire incident reported in Alaotra-Mangoro on November 12, 2024. Analysis of historical data reveals a worrying pattern of deforestation, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounted for the majority of the tree cover loss. Over the period from 2001 to 2022, Madagascar lost approximately 1.20 million hectares of tree cover, which is a 6.98% decrease from its total tree cover extent.
The impact of these losses is profound, with the country's net tree cover experiencing a net decrease of over 1 million hectares, indicating a negative change of nearly 6%. The data shows that while there has been some tree cover gain, the rate of loss far outpaces these gains, leading to a net negative impact on the country's forest resources. Wildfires, although not the primary driver, have also contributed to the loss, with the latest incident adding to the country's environmental challenges.
Explore country profileThe consequences of this deforestation are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and local livelihoods. As Madagascar continues to lose tree cover, the urgency to address these environmental issues becomes more pressing.
