A recent fire incident in the Zambezi Region of Namibia, which falls within Botswana's jurisdiction, has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the country's tree cover. Botswana, with an area of over 57 million hectares, has a relatively small tree cover extent of approximately 20,328 hectares. Over the years, the country has experienced a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture, which has been the most significant driver of this loss.
Analyzing the historical data, it is evident that tree cover loss peaked in the years 2004 and 2005, with over 50 hectares lost each year, before seeing a general decline. However, the total tree cover loss over the past two decades amounts to 14,571 hectares, which is notable considering the overall tree cover extent. The net change in tree cover reveals a loss of 1,268 hectares, indicating a negative trend with a 0.71% decrease in tree stability.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident, recorded on August 14, 2024, adds to the series of environmental challenges faced by Botswana. While the number of incidents is low, the impact on the ecosystem can be significant, especially when combined with other factors such as shifting agriculture. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring and protecting Botswana's natural resources to prevent further environmental degradation.
