Ecuador has witnessed a significant loss of its tree cover over the years, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. The country, which boasts an area of over 25.60 million hectares, has seen a tree cover extent of approximately 19 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover reveals a disturbing trend, with a loss of nearly 495,000 hectares and a gain of about 219,000 hectares, resulting in a net loss of over 276,000 hectares, which is a 1.50% change.
The latest incidents in Cotopaxi, Ecuador, with two fire alerts reported on July 17, 2024, underscore the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. While the direct impact of wildfires on tree cover loss is minimal compared to other factors, they remain a concern for the nation's ecosystem.
Explore country profileThe historical data from 2001 to 2022 shows that shifting agriculture has consistently led to the most significant tree cover loss, followed by forestry activities and urbanization. Wildfires, though not a leading cause, have also contributed to the emissions of greenhouse gases. The cumulative effect of these drivers has led to substantial tree cover loss and carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable land management practices in Ecuador.
