Recent data indicates a concerning trend in South Africa, where incidents of tree cover loss and wildfires are impacting the region's environmental stability. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 141,776 hectares of tree cover, which is about 1.86% of its total tree cover extent. Notably, the forestry sector has been the most significant driver of this loss, followed by shifting agriculture, contributing to the majority of the tree cover decline.
The analysis of historical data from 2001 to 2022 reveals a fluctuating yet persistent pattern of tree cover loss, with the highest recorded loss in 2017 at over 94,000 hectares. Urbanization and wildfires, while less significant in comparison, also contribute to the ongoing environmental challenge. The latest incident report from Eastern Cape underscores the continued vulnerability of the region to wildfires, with a recent alert bringing the issue into focus.
Explore country profileThis loss of tree cover not only affects the natural landscape but also has broader implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and soil erosion. The net change in tree cover, which includes gains from reforestation and natural regeneration, still shows a negative trend, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to manage and mitigate these environmental impacts.
