Swaziland has witnessed a significant shift in its forest cover over the years, with a net change of -3.03% in tree cover. The latest incident reported on November 20, 2024, was a fire in the Manzini region, marking a continued trend of environmental challenges for the country. Analysis of historical data reveals that forestry activities have been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the total loss and associated CO2 emissions. Shifting agriculture also contributes notably to the degradation, while wildfires, although less frequent, add to the cumulative impact on Swaziland's forests. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at 469,227 hectares, has experienced a loss of 44,997 hectares over the years, partially offset by a gain of 23,455 hectares. The disturbances in forest cover underscore the need for a focused discussion on sustainable land management practices in Swaziland.
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