Guinea Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Guinea Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Guinea has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover over the past two decades, with a net change in tree cover showing a loss of 1,589,675 hectares, which constitutes an 8.34% decrease. The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the majority of the tree cover loss each year. Wildfires have also played a substantial role, contributing to both the loss of tree cover and CO2 emissions. The latest incident from December 14, 2024, in the region of Labé, Guinea, adds to the growing concern over the country's ability to manage and mitigate the impact of such environmental challenges. The data reveals a disturbing trend of escalating tree cover loss, with the most significant losses occurring in the years 2016 and 2017, where over 200,000 hectares were lost each year. This ongoing deforestation has profound implications for the country's biodiversity, climate, and local communities, calling for urgent attention and sustainable management practices to reverse the trend.