Zimbabwe has been grappling with a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades. Data reveals a net loss of 398,438 hectares, which equates to a 5.91% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture and forestry have been the primary drivers, contributing to over 50% of the total tree cover loss. Notably, wildfires, although less significant in terms of area, have been a persistent issue. The latest incident occurred on December 15, 2024, in the Mashonaland West Province, marking a continued trend of environmental challenges for the country.
The impact of these losses is profound, considering that the tree cover extent in Zimbabwe is 1,414,326 hectares, which is only a fraction of the country's total area of 39,068,111 hectares. The country's struggle with tree cover loss is a pressing environmental concern that not only affects biodiversity but also has broader implications for climate regulation and local livelihoods. The situation calls for a deeper look into sustainable land management practices to curb the ongoing deforestation and preserve Zimbabwe's natural heritage.
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