The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), known for its vast forests, has experienced a significant environmental strain, as evidenced by the latest incident report from North-Kivu, where a fire alert was recorded on November 20, 2024. Over the years, the DRC has seen a steady increase in tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of the deforestation activities.
From 2001 to 2022, the country has lost over 7.59 million hectares of tree cover, which is approximately 3.26% of its total tree cover extent. This loss has not only affected the lush canopies but has also led to a net negative change in tree cover, with a decrease of approximately 3.55%. The data indicates a disturbing trend of environmental degradation, with the most significant tree cover loss occurring in 2014, amounting to over 1.33 million hectares.
Explore country profileThe impact of this loss is multifaceted, affecting biodiversity, climate, and the livelihoods of local communities. The DRC's forests are a critical part of the Congo Basin, which is the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, playing a vital role in regulating regional and global climates. The loss of such a significant area of tree cover over the years underscores the need for urgent attention to conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices.
