Mali is facing a significant environmental challenge, as recent data indicates a persistent loss of tree cover in the country. Over the past two decades, Mali has experienced a net loss of tree cover, which has resulted in a 3.28% decrease in its tree cover extent. The primary driver of this loss has been identified as shifting agriculture, which alone accounts for the vast majority of the tree cover loss. This agricultural practice has led to a reduction in the country's tree cover and has had a notable impact on the environment, contributing to increased emissions and the degradation of natural habitats.
The latest incident report from the Ségou Region of Mali, dated November 14, 2024, recorded a fire alert, adding to the environmental pressures the country already faces. While the number of incidents may seem small, the cumulative effect of these losses over time is significant. The data shows that the country has lost over 459,693 hectares of tree cover, while only gaining 203,580 hectares, leading to a net loss of 256,113 hectares over the analyzed period.
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