The data indicates that urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, is also a consistent factor in the loss of tree cover. Forestry activities have had a relatively small impact in comparison to agriculture. The absence of data on wildfires suggests a lack of recorded incidents or insufficient reporting in this category, which could also be a factor worth investigating further.
Mozambique's tree cover loss has not only ecological consequences but also releases significant amounts of carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. Over the years, these losses have resulted in millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, with a peak in 2017 where the country saw over 359,000 hectares of tree cover lost.
The challenge for Mozambique is to balance the need for agricultural land with the imperative of preserving its forests. The ongoing tree cover loss is a clarion call for strategies that promote sustainable land use and environmental conservation to ensure the country's natural heritage is protected for future generations.
