Zambia has experienced a significant decline in its tree cover over the past two decades, with a net change of -7.31% in tree cover, which translates to a net loss of approximately 2.87 million hectares. The predominant driver of this loss is shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the tree cover decline. The impact of urbanization, although less pronounced, has also contributed to the country's deforestation. The latest incident in the Southern Province, where a fire alert was recorded on July 21, 2024, adds to the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the nation.
The cumulative effect of these losses has been profound, with a total of over 364,000 hectares of tree cover lost, while gains have been modest at just over 76,800 hectares. Disturbances have affected an additional 151,400 hectares, further exacerbating the situation. The data indicates a persistent and troubling trend that has seen the country's rich forest resources dwindle alarmingly, impacting biodiversity and the ecosystem services that forests provide.
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