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20 Dec 2024

South Africa Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident in North West
South Africa Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident in North West

South Africa has experienced a significant loss in tree cover over the past two decades. The latest data indicates that the country has seen a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares, which equates to a -1.86% change in tree cover. This loss is attributed to various drivers, with forestry activities leading to the most significant impact, followed by shifting agriculture. Urbanization and wildfires also contributed to the loss, albeit to a lesser extent.

The tree cover extent in South Africa currently stands at approximately 5,983,115 hectares, which has been affected by a cumulative loss of over 1.28 million hectares due to disturbances. Despite these losses, there has been a gain of 388,239.98 hectares, which indicates some level of recovery and reforestation efforts.

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The most recent incident reported is a fire alert in the North West region of South Africa, dated December 20, 2024. This single incident reflects a broader challenge the country faces with wildfires, which have been responsible for a relatively small portion of the total tree cover loss over the years.

The overall trend shows that while there are gains in tree cover, the losses, primarily due to forestry and agriculture, outweigh these positive developments. The data underscores the need for sustainable land management practices to balance economic activities with environmental conservation.

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