Mozambique has experienced a significant decline in its tree cover over the past two decades. The latest incident, a fire alert in Zambezia Province on December 19, 2024, adds to the growing concerns about the country's environmental health. Analysis of historical data reveals that the primary driver of tree cover loss has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the vast majority of the decline. The total area affected by tree cover loss since 2001 amounts to millions of hectares, with a corresponding release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
The net change in tree cover shows a concerning trend, with a 10.21% decrease over the years. While there has been some gain, the overall loss far outweighs it, leading to a net negative impact on the country's forest resources. Urbanization and forestry activities have also contributed to the loss, though to a much lesser extent than agriculture.
Explore country profileThis pattern of environmental degradation poses a threat to Mozambique's biodiversity, climate, and local communities that depend on the forest for their livelihoods. The recent fire incident, although small in scale, is a reminder of the persistent challenges in managing and conserving natural resources in the face of economic and developmental pressures.
