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17 Oct 2024

Tanzania's Tree Cover Faces Steady Decline, Latest Fire Incident in Arusha Region
Tanzania's Tree Cover Faces Steady Decline, Latest Fire Incident in Arusha Region

Tanzania has witnessed a consistent reduction in tree cover over the years, with the latest incident being a fire alert in the Arusha Region. The country, which boasts an area of over 94 million hectares, has a significant tree cover extent of approximately 26.40 million hectares. However, analysis of historical data reveals a worrying trend of tree cover loss, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the largest percentage of this loss.

Over the past two decades, the total tree cover loss in Tanzania has reached over 4.30 million hectares, which is a decrease of around 11.30% from the original tree cover. This loss has not been offset by gains in tree cover, which stand at just over 557,000 hectares. The disturbances to tree cover, including fires, have contributed to a net loss of approximately 3.80 million hectares.

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The impact of shifting agriculture as the main driver is evident, with the majority of tree cover loss attributed to this practice. Forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization also play roles, but to a lesser extent. The cumulative effect of these drivers has not only reduced the tree cover but has also resulted in significant emissions of CO2, with the latest figures showing an alarming upward trajectory.

The single fire incident reported recently in the Arusha Region is a reminder of the ongoing challenges Tanzania faces in preserving its natural resources. While the number of incidents may seem small, the overall trend points to a larger issue of environmental degradation that requires attention.

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