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15 Sept 2024

Zimbabwe Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents
Zimbabwe Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Zimbabwe has been facing a significant challenge with escalating tree cover loss over the years. A recent incident on September 15, 2024, in the Manicaland Province, has brought the issue to the forefront once again. The country, which spans over 39 million hectares, has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of approximately 550,426 hectares and a gain of about 151,988 hectares, leading to a net loss of around 398,438 hectares. This translates to a concerning 5.91% decrease in tree cover.

The historical data reveals that the primary drivers of tree cover loss in Zimbabwe include shifting agriculture and forestry activities, contributing to the majority of the deforestation. Shifting agriculture alone has been responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, with incidents of wildfires and urbanization also playing a role, albeit to a lesser extent.

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The impact of these activities is not only limited to the loss of trees but also to the significant emissions of CO2 equivalent gases. Over the years, these emissions have been in the millions of metric tons, indicating a severe environmental impact. The latest fire alert in Manicaland Province is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat to Zimbabwe's natural resources.

As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, the data underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of deforestation and implementing sustainable land management practices to curb further loss of tree cover and protect the environment.

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