A recent fire incident in the O'Higgins region of Chile has raised concerns about the country's forest cover. The latest data indicates that Chile has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a marginal decrease of approximately 0.08%. Over the years, forestry activities have been the leading cause of tree cover loss, followed by shifting agriculture. The cumulative effect of these activities has resulted in significant environmental impacts, including the loss of 746,166 hectares of tree cover, only partially offset by a gain of 731,816 hectares.
The analysis of historical data shows that the year 2017 witnessed the highest tree cover loss, while the following years have seen a slight reduction in loss rates. Wildfires have contributed minimally to the overall tree cover loss, accounting for a negligible percentage of the total. Urbanization, although not the primary driver, has consistently contributed to the loss over the years.
Explore country profileThe incident in O'Higgins is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Chile's forests. With the country's tree cover extent standing at over 19 million hectares, the need for sustainable management of forest resources is more pressing than ever. The incident, while isolated, underscores the broader trends of environmental change and the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect these vital ecosystems.
