Madagascar has been grappling with a significant decline in its tree cover, exacerbated by a recent wildfire incident in the Itasy region. Over the past two decades, the island nation has seen a net loss of 1,027,956 hectares in tree cover, marking a 5.89% decrease from its previous extent. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this loss, responsible for the vast majority of the deforestation.
The data indicates a worrying trend, with the total tree cover loss reaching 256,379 hectares in 2022 alone. This has contributed to a staggering emission of over 135 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent that year, further emphasizing the environmental impact of the land-use changes. Wildfires, while not the leading cause of tree cover loss, continue to pose a threat to the remaining forested areas, as evidenced by the latest fire alert.
Explore country profileMadagascar's tree cover, which originally spanned over 17 million hectares, now faces continuous disturbances that not only threaten biodiversity but also the livelihoods of local communities and the overall ecological balance. The ongoing loss of tree cover underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further environmental degradation.
