In the face of a single wildfire incident reported on September 20, 2024, in the Loreto region, Peru grapples with a broader environmental challenge. Over the years, the nation has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover. Peru, with an area of over 129 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 78 million hectares. However, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover of about 1.19 million hectares, which is a concerning 0.97% decrease.
Shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the tree cover decline. Wildfires, while not the most significant factor, have also contributed to the ecological damage. The data indicates a disturbing trend where the loss far exceeds the gains in tree cover, with a net negative change that highlights the urgency of addressing these environmental incidents.
Explore country profile