A recent fire incident in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa has brought to light the ongoing challenges the nation faces with tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced a significant decline in tree cover, primarily due to shifting agriculture and forestry activities. The data reveals a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares of tree cover, which is a 1.86% decrease from the original extent.
Shifting agriculture remains a major driver, accounting for a substantial portion of tree cover loss each year. Forestry activities also contribute heavily to the decline, with wildfires and urbanization adding to the cumulative impact. The year 2017 marked the highest recorded loss, with over 94,55.93 hectares affected, while the most recent data from 2022 shows a loss of 40,979.72 hectares.
Explore country profileThis trend poses a significant threat to South Africa's biodiversity and ecological balance. The loss of tree cover not only impacts the environment but also has far-reaching implications for climate regulation and the livelihoods of local communities. The latest fire incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of South Africa's natural landscape and the need for ongoing vigilance and sustainable management practices.
