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17 Jan 2025

Laos Confronts Escalating Tree Cover Loss Amid Recent Fire Incident
Laos Confronts Escalating Tree Cover Loss Amid Recent Fire Incident

Laos, a country with a rich forest heritage covering over 83% of its land area, is experiencing a significant trend of tree cover loss. Over the years, the country has seen a steady increase in the hectares lost to deforestation, with shifting agriculture and forestry being the primary drivers.

The data reveals that from 2001 to 2023, Laos has faced a substantial cumulative loss of tree cover. Shifting agriculture, responsible for a significant portion of this loss, has led to a decrease in tree cover by tens of thousands of hectares annually. Forestry activities have also contributed to this decline, with figures showing a consistent rise in hectares lost each year.

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The impact of this deforestation is evident in the net change in tree cover, which shows a net loss of approximately 1.47 million hectares, translating to a 7.16% decrease over the analyzed period. This loss of tree cover has implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Adding to the environmental challenges, Laos recently reported a fire incident in Bolikhamsai Province. While the number of incidents is relatively low, the occurrence of such events can exacerbate the already critical situation of tree cover loss in the country.

The trend in Laos is a cause for concern, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further loss of forests and to preserve the ecological balance.

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