Cameroon Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

Cameroon Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

In a concerning environmental development, Cameroon has experienced a significant increase in tree cover loss over the past two decades. Analysis of historical data reveals that the loss has been primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority of the tree cover decline. Urbanization has also contributed to the loss, albeit to a lesser extent.

The country's tree cover extent, which spans over 31 million hectares, has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of approximately 977,000 hectares, while gains were modest at around 351,000 hectares. This represents a net loss of over 625,000 hectares, marking a negative change of approximately 1.71%.