The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover over the past two decades, primarily due to shifting agriculture practices. The DRC, known for its vast forested areas, has seen a net loss of 6 million hectares of tree cover, which is a 3.55% decrease from its original extent. This loss is a result of various factors, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver, accounting for the overwhelming majority of tree cover loss.
The impact of this decline is multifaceted, affecting not only the environment but also the biodiversity and climate regulation functions of the forests. Wildfires, although contributing to a lesser extent, urbanization, and forestry activities also play a role in the reduction of tree cover. The latest incident in Lualaba highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the country, with a fire alert indicating the persistent threat to the region's forests.
Explore country profileThe trend over the years shows a worrying escalation in tree cover loss, with the highest recorded in 2014 and 2017, reaching over 1.30 million hectares each year. The data reflects a critical need for sustainable land management practices to address the drivers of deforestation and preserve the remaining forest cover for future generations.
