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21 Aug 2024

Zambia Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents
Zambia Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Zambia is facing a significant challenge with an escalating trend in tree cover loss, which has profound implications for the environment and local communities. Over the past two decades, the nation has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 2.87 million hectares, marking a 7.30% change in its forested landscape. This loss is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the decline.

The data reveals a worrying trend, with tree cover loss peaking in 2021 at over 200,000 hectares. Although the figures for 2022 show a slight decrease to approximately 179,000 hectares, the overall trajectory remains a concern. Wildfires, while not the leading cause, have also contributed to the depletion of Zambia's tree cover, with notable incidents causing significant emissions of carbon into the atmosphere.

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The impact of urbanization, although smaller in scale compared to agriculture, is also a contributing factor to the loss of tree cover. The latest incident data from 2024 indicates ongoing challenges, with a recent wildfire alert in the Central Province of Zambia, underscoring the persistent threat of such events to the region's tree cover.

As Zambia continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the data underscores the need for sustainable land management practices and effective strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and prevent wildfires.

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