Zambia's Forests Face Mounting Pressure with Recent Fire Incident in Southern Province

Zambia's Forests Face Mounting Pressure with Recent Fire Incident in Southern Province

Zambia has witnessed a significant challenge to its forest cover over the years, with a net loss of 2,872,110.82 hectares, marking a 7.31% decrease in tree cover. The latest incident on September 15, 2024, with a fire alert in the Southern Province, adds to the growing concern for the nation's natural resources. The predominant cause of tree cover loss has been shifting agriculture, contributing to an overwhelming majority of the losses. Over two decades, the country has seen a fluctuation in tree cover loss, with the highest recorded in 2021 at over 200,000 hectares. Urbanization, while not the leading cause, has consistently contributed to the decline. The cumulative effect of these factors has led to a significant reduction in Zambia's tree cover, impacting the region's biodiversity and ecological balance.