Ethiopia Confronts Tree Cover Challenges as Incidents Flare Up

Ethiopia Confronts Tree Cover Challenges as Incidents Flare Up

In the face of a single recent fire incident in the Upper Nile region of South Sudan, Ethiopia continues to grapple with broader environmental challenges. Over the past two decades, Ethiopia has seen a net loss in tree cover of approximately 738,330 hectares, marking a decrease of 3.61%. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of the tree cover loss, with urbanization also contributing to the decline.

The data reveals a concerning trend of deforestation where shifting agriculture has consistently been the leading cause, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of hectares each year. Urbanization, while less significant in terms of area, still plays a role in the changing landscape. The cumulative impact of these activities has led to a considerable loss of tree cover, which is critical for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities.