Mexico has been facing a significant challenge in maintaining its tree cover, with data revealing a consistent trend of loss over the past two decades. The country's vast area of approximately 195 million hectares includes a tree cover extent of around 53 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a loss of over 2.20 million hectares and a gain of just over 1.40 million hectares, resulting in a net loss of approximately 790,000 hectares. This equates to a concerning 1.25% decrease in tree cover.
The main drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority, followed by forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization. Wildfires, in particular, have been a persistent issue, with the latest incident reported in Tamaulipas, Mexico, on November 12, 2024. Over the years, wildfires have contributed to both the loss of tree cover and the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Explore country profileThe impact of these losses is not just environmental but also has significant implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forestry. The ongoing trend highlights the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land management and conservation strategies to mitigate further loss and promote recovery of Mexico's vital tree cover.
