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 profile