Angola Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Angola Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

In a concerning environmental development, Angola has been grappling with significant tree cover loss, exacerbated by recurring incidents of wildfires. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 4.41%. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver, responsible for the vast majority of the 2,669,422.37 hectares of tree cover loss recorded since 2001. This agricultural practice alone has led to a staggering loss of 2,631,113.14 hectares, emphasizing its profound impact on the country's natural landscape.

Wildfires, while less extensive in their damage compared to shifting agriculture, have also left an indelible mark, contributing to the loss of 7,189.04 hectares of tree cover. The latest incident in Huila Province highlights the ongoing challenge Angola faces with wildfires, despite the relatively small number of alerts.