Botswana, a country with an area of over 57 million hectares, has experienced a significant shift in its environmental landscape. Analysis of historical data reveals a concerning trend in tree cover loss, which has resulted in a net decrease of approximately 0.71%. Shifting agriculture has been identified as a primary driver, contributing to the majority of the tree cover loss over the years.
The country's tree cover extent, which stands at a mere 20,328 hectares, has seen fluctuations with losses and gains. However, the net change has been negative, with a loss of 14,571 hectares and a gain of 13,303 hectares, leading to a net loss of 1,268 hectares. This change represents a delicate balance in Botswana's ecosystem, which is further challenged by the latest incident of fire in the Ghanzi District.
Explore country profileThe single fire incident recorded on August 18, 2024, underscores the ongoing environmental pressures faced by the country. While the incident count is low, the impact on the already fragile tree cover could be significant. Botswana's environmental narrative is one of delicate balances and ongoing challenges, with the need for sustainable practices becoming increasingly apparent.
