Venezuela has been facing significant environmental challenges, with a consistent pattern of tree cover loss over the years. The most substantial driver of this loss has been identified as shifting agriculture, contributing to a considerable percentage of the overall deforestation. Over the years, this practice has consistently been the leading cause, with other factors like forestry, wildfires, and urbanization also playing roles, albeit to a lesser extent.
The country's tree cover extent spans over 56 million hectares, which has been subject to a net loss of approximately 1.37 million hectares over the years. This represents a net change of -2.49% in tree cover. Notably, the year 2016 saw the highest tree cover loss, with shifting agriculture accounting for a staggering 75% of that year's total loss. Wildfires, while not the most significant driver, have been a persistent issue, contributing to both loss and CO2 emissions.
Explore country profileThe most recent incident in Monagas, Venezuela, with a single fire alert, is a small reflection of the ongoing environmental strain the country is experiencing. The cumulative effect of these losses is a cause for concern, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further environmental degradation.
