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16 Aug 2024

DRC's Haut-Katanga Witnesses a Fire Incident Amidst Ongoing Tree Cover Challenges
DRC's Haut-Katanga Witnesses a Fire Incident Amidst Ongoing Tree Cover Challenges

In a recent development, the Haut-Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported a fire incident on August 16, 2024. This incident adds to the environmental challenges faced by the country, which has seen significant tree cover loss over the years.

The DRC, with an area of over 232 million hectares, has a vast tree cover extent of approximately 199 million hectares. However, the country has experienced a net loss of about 7.60 million hectares of tree cover, which constitutes a 3.55% decrease from the stable tree cover. The reforestation efforts have only seen a gain of around 1.60 million hectares, which does not offset the losses incurred.

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Shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the majority of the hectares lost annually. Other factors contributing to this loss include forestry, wildfires, and urbanization. The cumulative effect of these drivers has led to substantial gross emissions of CO2, with a notable increase in recent years.

The latest fire incident, although isolated, is a reminder of the persistent risk of wildfires in the region. The DRC's vast forested areas are not only crucial for carbon storage but also for the biodiversity they support and the livelihoods they sustain. The ongoing loss of tree cover underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to manage and protect these vital ecosystems.

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