Swaziland, with an area of over 1.70 million hectares, has experienced significant environmental challenges over the years. The latest incident on November 18, 2024, in the Mpumalanga region, adds to the growing concern as the country grapples with tree cover loss. Analysis of historical data reveals that between 2001 and 2022, Swaziland lost over 44,997 hectares of tree cover, which is approximately 2.59% of its total tree cover extent. Notably, the forestry sector has been the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for the vast majority of the tree cover decline and associated CO2 emissions.
The country's net change in tree cover also reflects a disturbing trend, with a net loss of 21,542 hectares, indicating a 3.03% decrease in tree cover stability over the years. While there has been some gain, the overall disturbance to the tree cover is nearly four times greater than the gains made. Incidents such as wildfires, although not the largest driver, contribute to the ongoing challenge, emphasizing the need for focused attention on environmental conservation and sustainable land management practices.
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