The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with its vast expanse of 232.90 million hectares, is witnessing a persistent challenge of deforestation. A recent fire incident in Haut-Katanga underscores the ongoing struggle, with the DRC's rich tree cover of nearly 199.30 million hectares being incrementally eroded. Analysis of historical data reveals a disturbing trend: a net loss of over 6 million hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 3.55% decrease, despite a gain of approximately 1.60 million hectares.
Shifting agriculture remains the dominant driver, responsible for the majority of tree cover loss. Urbanization, while less significant, still contributes to the changing landscape. Wildfires, although comparatively minor in terms of area, pose a recurrent threat, as evidenced by the latest incident. The cumulative effect of these factors is not just a loss of trees but a significant emission of carbon dioxide, with billions of metric tons released over the years.
Explore country profileThe DRC's struggle with deforestation is a microcosm of a global issue, with implications for biodiversity, climate change, and local livelihoods. The single fire alert in Haut-Katanga may seem minor, yet it is a reminder of the fragility of the DRC's forests and the need for ongoing vigilance and sustainable management practices.
