Angola has been facing a significant challenge with escalating tree cover loss over the years. Recent data indicates that the country has experienced a net change in tree cover with a loss of 3,412,610.65 hectares, which is a concerning 4.41% decrease from the stable tree cover extent. The primary driver of this loss has been identified as shifting agriculture, contributing to the vast majority of the tree cover loss. Forestry activities and wildfires also play a role but to a much lesser extent.
The impact of these losses is not limited to the environment alone but extends to the release of greenhouse gases, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions recorded over the years. The latest incident from Cuando Cubango Province, Angola, with a single wildfire alert, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat that wildfires pose to the country's tree cover.
Explore country profileThe trend over the years has shown a fluctuating but generally increasing pattern of tree cover loss, with the most significant loss recorded in 2021. This trend underscores the need for attention to Angola's forest management practices and the importance of mitigating activities that lead to deforestation and wildfires.
