Ethiopia has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years. The latest incident reported on January 19, 2025, was a fire in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, marking a continuing trend of environmental distress. Over the span of two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of tree cover amounting to approximately 738,331 hectares, which represents a 3.61% decrease from the stable tree cover.
Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of tree cover loss, contributing to a staggering majority of the deforestation. Urbanization, although less impactful than agriculture, has also been a consistent factor. Notably, wildfires have played a smaller yet significant role, with incidents like the recent one in Benishangul-Gumuz adding to the cumulative impact on Ethiopia's tree cover.
Explore country profileThe loss of tree cover has not only environmental but also socio-economic implications, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and local livelihoods. The trend of tree cover loss in Ethiopia is a call to action for sustainable land management and conservation efforts to safeguard the remaining forests and promote recovery.
