Mozambique has experienced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a net decrease of over 4.30 million hectares, marking a 10.21% decline in tree cover. The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the deforestation. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, has also played a role in the reduction of tree cover. The latest incident in Gaza Province, Mozambique, where a fire alert was recorded on September 18, 2024, is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces.
The cumulative impact of these losses has been profound, with the total CO2 equivalent gross emissions from tree cover loss amounting to tens of millions of megagrams over the years. The data reveals a worrying trend, with the highest annual loss recorded in 2017, at over 359,000 hectares. Although there have been fluctuations, the overall trajectory indicates a persistent problem that has yet to be curbed.
Explore country profileThis pattern of tree cover loss not only has implications for carbon emissions but also affects biodiversity, water cycles, and the livelihoods of local communities. The incident in Gaza Province is a microcosm of the broader environmental degradation occurring across Mozambique, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to address the underlying causes of deforestation and promote sustainable land management practices.
