In the Ouaka region of the Central African Republic, a single fire incident on December 17, 2024, underscores a persistent challenge facing the nation: deforestation. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture. The Central African Republic, with an area of over 62 million hectares, has seen its tree cover reduced by approximately 1.95% from 2001 to 2022, with a net change in tree cover reflecting a loss of over 727,000 hectares.
Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for the vast majority of the tree cover reduction and associated emissions. The impact of this deforestation is profound, not only on the country's rich biodiversity but also on its climate resilience and the livelihoods of local communities who depend on these forests.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident, though seemingly isolated, is a reminder of the ongoing environmental pressures. It is crucial to understand that each fire, each hectare lost, contributes to a larger narrative of environmental degradation that the Central African Republic is striving to address. The nation's forests are a critical resource, and the ongoing loss of tree cover poses a significant threat to the ecological balance and sustainability of the region.
