Iraq faces a new environmental challenge as the latest data reveals a fire incident in the Basra Governorate. This incident adds to the country's ongoing struggle with tree cover loss, which has seen a fluctuating trend over the years. Despite a net gain in tree cover of approximately 8,903 hectares, the loss of 553 hectares indicates persistent environmental pressures. The tree cover extent in Iraq is a mere 0.04% of its total land area, highlighting the vulnerability of its natural landscape to such incidents.
The historical data from 2001 to 2019 shows a significant variance in tree cover loss, with the highest recorded loss in 2003 at nearly 19.62 hectares. However, the overall trend suggests a gradual decrease in loss over the years, culminating in a minimal loss of 0.06 hectares in 2019. The absence of specific drivers such as shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization in the data suggests that other factors may be contributing to these changes.
Explore country profileThe recent fire incident in Basra Governorate underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect Iraq's fragile ecosystems. The country's environmental health is critical, not only for its biodiversity but also for the well-being of its people and the sustainability of its development.
