In Zambia, a concerning trend of tree cover loss has been unfolding over the years, with significant environmental impacts. The country, which spans over 75 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 24 million hectares. However, data reveals a net loss of over 2.87 million hectares, which translates to a 7.30% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for the vast majority of the deforested area.
The repercussions of this deforestation are manifold, including habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and contribution to climate change. Wildfires, another major concern, have compounded the issue, although they represent a smaller fraction of the total tree cover loss. The latest incident report from 2024 indicates a wildfire in the Southern Province of Zambia, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing forest fires and their environmental toll.
Explore country profileThe data underscores the urgency for sustainable land management practices and effective wildfire control measures to mitigate the adverse effects of these environmental challenges. As Zambia continues to confront these issues, the need for a concerted effort to preserve its remaining tree cover becomes increasingly critical.
