An initiative powered by
Alwaleed Philanthropies.
0
%
15 Aug 2024

Madagascar Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents
Madagascar Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Madagascar has been grappling with significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident data revealing a wildfire alert in the Analamanga region as of August 15, 2024. The island nation, known for its unique biodiversity, has seen a net change in tree cover that reflects a 5.89% decrease, translating to a net loss of over 1 million hectares. The primary driver of this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, which alone accounts for the vast majority of tree cover loss, followed by forestry activities and wildfires.

The cumulative impact on Madagascar's environment is profound, with the total tree cover loss amounting to millions of hectares over the years. This loss not only diminishes the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Madagascar but also has significant implications for carbon emissions, with billions of milligrams of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere.

Explore country profile

The trend shows no sign of abating, with recent years consistently witnessing high levels of tree cover loss. The data underscores the urgent need for strategies to mitigate these losses and preserve Madagascar's remaining forests. The single wildfire incident reported in Analamanga is a stark reminder of the persistent threat that wildfires pose to the already vulnerable tree cover.

As the country faces these environmental challenges, the global community watches closely, hoping for a reversal in these trends to safeguard the future of Madagascar's unique landscape and the global ecosystem at large.

View all history
A global action, for a global challenge.
Our mission to equip you with the information you need to rally local communities for environmental change. Register your information to receive updates for your area.
Get Customized Deforestation Report.