An initiative powered by
Alwaleed Philanthropies.
0
%
12 Nov 2024

Tanzania's Forests Face Persistent Threats with Recent Fire Incident in Iringa Region
Tanzania's Forests Face Persistent Threats with Recent Fire Incident in Iringa Region

Tanzania has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of 11.30% of its tree cover. The country, which spans over 94 million hectares, has seen a tree cover extent of approximately 26.40 million hectares, indicating the vital role forests play in its ecosystem. However, the persistent loss of tree cover, primarily due to shifting agriculture, has led to a substantial reduction in forest areas.

The latest incident in the Iringa Region, where a fire alert was reported on November 12, 2024, adds to the ongoing challenges faced by Tanzania's forests. Shifting agriculture remains the dominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a significant percentage of the total deforestation. Other contributing factors include forestry practices, urbanization, and wildfires, which, despite being less significant in terms of area, still contribute to the overall loss of forest cover.

Explore country profile

The data over the years shows a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in tree cover loss, peaking in certain years such as 2014 and 2018. The impact of these losses is not only measured in hectares but also in terms of carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change concerns.

The net change in tree cover reveals a disturbing trend, with a loss of over 4.30 million hectares and a gain of just over half a million hectares, leading to a net loss of approximately 3.80 million hectares. This loss is a clear indicator of the environmental challenges that Tanzania faces, with the need for sustainable management and conservation strategies becoming increasingly apparent.

View all history
A global action, for a global challenge.
Our mission to equip you with the information you need to rally local communities for environmental change. Register your information to receive updates for your area.
Get Customized Deforestation Report.