A recent fire incident in the Viana do Castelo District underscores the persistent threat to Portugal's forests, which comprise over 25% of the country's land area. Over two decades, Portugal has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 104,000 hectares, a decrease of 3.39%. The data reveals that forestry activities have been the primary driver of this loss, accounting for a staggering 94.60% of the total tree cover loss from 2001 to 2022. Wildfires, while less significant in terms of hectares lost, have been a consistent concern, contributing to 5.70% of the tree cover loss over the same period.
The impact of urbanization also cannot be ignored, as it has led to a loss of 0.70% of the tree cover. Notably, the year 2017 marked the highest recorded tree cover loss, with over 173,000 hectares affected, which is a clear indication of the escalating challenges facing Portugal's forests. Despite these losses, there has been a gain of over 168,000 hectares of tree cover, suggesting some recovery or reforestation efforts are in place.
Explore country profileThe single fire alert recorded on April 21, 2024, may seem minor in isolation, but it is a part of a larger pattern of environmental stress on Portugal's forests. The ongoing loss of tree cover not only affects the natural landscape but also has broader implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of future generations.
