Shifting agriculture and forestry remain the primary drivers of tree cover loss, with urbanization also playing a significant role. From 2001 to 2022, the total tree cover loss amounted to millions of hectares, with the highest recorded loss in 2016 at over 2.40 million hectares. Although there was a slight decrease in tree cover loss in 2021 and 2022, the overall trend indicates a persistent challenge.
The net change in tree cover shows a disturbing figure, with a loss of over 9 million hectares and a gain of only approximately 4.90 million hectares, leading to a net loss of over 4.10 million hectares. This equates to a net change of -2.62%, a clear indication that the rate of reforestation is not keeping pace with the loss.
The environmental impact of these losses is significant, with gross emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reaching billions of megagrams. The data underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to mitigate the effects of deforestation and promote sustainable land management practices in Indonesia.
