South Africa's Tree Cover Faces Continued Decline with Recent Fire Incident in KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa's Tree Cover Faces Continued Decline with Recent Fire Incident in KwaZulu-Natal

South Africa has experienced a consistent decrease in tree cover over the past two decades, with a recent fire incident in KwaZulu-Natal highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges. The country's tree cover extent spans approximately 5.98 million hectares, which has been subject to various pressures resulting in significant loss. Shifting agriculture and forestry remain the primary drivers of tree cover loss, contributing to the majority of the 1.41% net decrease in tree cover. In 2022 alone, forestry activities accounted for the loss of over 27,539 hectares, while shifting agriculture led to a reduction of over 12,134 hectares. The cumulative effect of these activities, along with urbanization and wildfires, has led to a net loss of 141,776 hectares, indicating a negative change of approximately 1.86% in the country's tree cover. The latest fire incident adds to the concern, underscoring the need for sustained attention to environmental management and protection strategies.