A recent fire incident in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa has brought to light the ongoing challenges the country faces with tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a significant portion attributed to forestry and shifting agriculture. The data reveals a net decrease of 1.86% in tree cover, despite some gains through reforestation efforts.
The most substantial drivers of tree cover loss have been forestry, accounting for the majority of the decrease, followed by shifting agriculture. Wildfires and urbanization also contribute to the decline, though to a lesser extent. The total tree cover loss over the years has not only impacted the landscape but also led to significant CO2 emissions, further exacerbating the environmental concerns.
Explore country profileThe latest fire alert serves as a reminder of the persistent threat wildfires pose to South Africa's tree cover. The country's rich biodiversity and natural heritage are at risk if these trends continue. The incident in the Eastern Cape is just one of many that highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and sustainable management of natural resources to mitigate tree cover loss.
