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18 Dec 2024

Central African Republic Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident
Central African Republic Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident

The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing environmental challenges as recent data indicates a significant loss of tree cover in the nation. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a consistent decline in its tree cover, primarily due to shifting agriculture practices. The latest incident data reveals a fire alert in the Mbomou region, adding to the nation's environmental concerns.

The CAR, with an area of over 62 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 47 million hectares. However, the country has seen a net loss in tree cover of around 1.21 million hectares, which is about 2.57% of its total tree cover. This loss is coupled with a minor gain of approximately 482,000 hectares, but the overall trend remains negative.

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Shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost over the years. This practice has not only reduced the tree cover but also contributed to significant emissions of CO2, further exacerbating the impact on the environment.

The single fire incident reported in Mbomou is a reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires to the remaining tree cover. While the incident count is low, the potential for future fires remains a concern, especially in the context of the broader environmental degradation.

The net change in tree cover shows a disturbing trend, with a net loss of over 727,000 hectares, indicating a decline of approximately 1.32% in the stability of the country's tree cover. This data underscores the need for attention to the country's land use practices and the importance of sustainable management to protect its natural resources.

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