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17 Aug 2024

Russia's Forests Face Ongoing Threat as Wildfires and Deforestation Continue
Russia's Forests Face Ongoing Threat as Wildfires and Deforestation Continue

Russia's vast forested areas are under increasing pressure from various factors, with wildfires and forestry activities being the most significant contributors to tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a fluctuating but generally increasing trend in tree cover loss, with the most recent data indicating a single wildfire incident in the Sakha Republic as of August 2024.

The analysis of historical data reveals a concerning pattern of forest disturbance. In 2022, Russia experienced a tree cover loss of approximately 4.29 million hectares, which is a significant portion of the country's total forest area. Wildfires were responsible for the largest share of this loss, accounting for over 3.13 million hectares. Forestry activities also played a substantial role, contributing to over 1.13 million hectares of the loss.

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The cumulative effect of these incidents over the years has led to a net change in tree cover that is slightly negative, with a net loss of roughly 176,089 hectares when accounting for gains in forest cover. This represents a marginal decrease of 0.02% in the overall tree cover. The stable forest area remains significant, yet the persistent loss and disturbances highlight the vulnerability of Russia's forests.

The latest incident in the Sakha Republic serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Russia's forests. While the number of incidents may vary from year to year, the impact of these events on the country's tree cover and the broader ecosystem is undeniable. The trend suggests a need for increased attention to forest conservation and management practices to mitigate future losses.

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