In Benin, a country with an area of over 11.50 million hectares, the latest fire incident in the Atakora Department underscores a persistent challenge. Despite the tree cover extent of approximately 168,568 hectares, Benin has experienced a significant net loss in tree cover. Over the years, shifting agriculture has been the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the 539,499 hectares lost. This loss represents a concerning 7.12% decrease from the stable tree cover. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, has also played a role in this environmental shift.
The impact of these losses is not just ecological but also economic, as trees are vital for carbon sequestration. The total gross emissions from tree cover loss have reached alarming levels, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere. The latest fire incident, although isolated, is a reminder of the ongoing disturbances affecting Benin's landscape. The country's net change in tree cover reflects a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors that require attention for sustainable management and conservation efforts.
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