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15 Nov 2024

Uganda's Forests Under Threat: A Look at the Alarming Trend of Tree Cover Loss
Uganda's Forests Under Threat: A Look at the Alarming Trend of Tree Cover Loss

In Uganda, a country with over 24 million hectares of land, the tree cover extent stands at approximately 7.76 million hectares. However, this green canopy is facing significant threats, as evidenced by the latest incident data showing a fire alert in the Northern Region. This incident is a small part of a much larger and concerning trend of tree cover loss that has been unfolding over the years.

Analysis of historical data reveals that the primary driver of tree cover loss in Uganda has been shifting agriculture, which accounted for the vast majority of the 641,347 hectares lost in 2022 alone. This practice, along with other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization, has led to a net loss of over 1 million hectares of tree cover since records began, marking a 23.40% decrease.

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The impact of these losses is not just limited to the environment but also to the carbon emissions associated with deforestation. In 2022, the total gross emissions from tree cover loss were over 33 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, with shifting agriculture again being the largest contributor.

The cumulative effect of these losses over the years is alarming. The data indicates a persistent and escalating challenge for Uganda's forests, which are crucial for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of local communities. As the latest fire alert indicates, the threat to these vital ecosystems is ongoing and requires attention and action to mitigate further damage.

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