The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares, marking a 3.55% decrease in tree cover. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which is responsible for the vast majority of the deforestation, followed by urbanization, forestry, and wildfires. The latest incident report from North-Kivu highlights the ongoing challenges, with a new fire alert underscoring the persistent threat to the region's forests.
The impact of this deforestation is profound, not only on the local ecosystems and biodiversity but also on the global climate. The Congo's forests are a critical carbon sink, and their degradation releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Over the years, the loss of tree cover has been accompanied by billions of metric tons of CO2 emissions, exacerbating the effects of climate change.
Explore country profileThe trend of tree cover loss in the Congo shows the need for urgent action to protect these vital ecosystems. While there has been some tree cover gain, it is overshadowed by the scale of the disturbance and loss. The recent fire alert serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks and the importance of sustainable land management practices to prevent further environmental degradation.
