DRC Sees Escalating Tree Cover Loss; Shifting Agriculture Major Culprit

DRC Sees Escalating Tree Cover Loss; Shifting Agriculture Major Culprit

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is witnessing a significant decline in its forested areas, with a net loss of tree cover amounting to over 6 million hectares, which translates to a 3.55% decrease. Over the years, shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of this loss, responsible for the vast majority of the deforestation. The impact of this agricultural practice is starkly evident when compared to other causes such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization, which contribute to a lesser extent.

The trend of tree cover loss in the DRC has been alarming, with the most substantial loss recorded in 2014, where over 1.30 million hectares were cleared. Although there have been fluctuations in the annual loss rates, the overall trajectory points towards a continuous depletion of the DRC's forests. This loss not only affects the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region but also has significant implications for carbon emissions, which are closely tied to deforestation activities.