A recent fire incident in Steung Treng Province, Cambodia, has brought attention to the country's ongoing struggle with tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, Cambodia has experienced a significant reduction in tree cover, with a net loss of over 2.64 million hectares, marking a 25.59% decrease in tree cover extent. The primary drivers of this deforestation have been identified as shifting agriculture and forestry activities, which together account for the majority of tree cover loss.
Shifting agriculture alone has led to a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, with forestry activities closely following. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, has also been a consistent factor. The cumulative impact of these activities has not only reduced the tree cover but has also resulted in considerable CO2 emissions, further exacerbating the environmental concerns.
Explore country profileThe latest fire alert, although isolated, is a reminder of the persistent challenges Cambodia faces in managing its natural resources. The incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and sustainable practices to protect the remaining tree cover and prevent further environmental degradation.
