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22 Oct 2024

Angola Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires in Cuando Cubango
Angola Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires in Cuando Cubango

In a concerning environmental trend, Angola has experienced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident being a wildfire in the Cuando Cubango Province. The country, which boasts an area of over 124 million hectares, has seen a net change in tree cover that reflects a 4.41% decrease, a troubling indication of the challenges facing its forest ecosystems.

Shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost annually. This practice has consistently led to substantial deforestation, with the latest data showing that it was responsible for over 98% of the tree cover loss in 2022. Wildfires have also played a significant role, contributing to both the loss of tree cover and the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

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The cumulative effect of these factors is evident in the net loss of tree cover, which stands at over 2.18 million hectares. This loss not only impacts the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region but also has broader implications for climate change due to the associated carbon emissions.

While the latest fire alert from Cuando Cubango Province indicates a single incident, it is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires in the region. The ongoing loss of tree cover due to shifting agriculture and wildfires underscores the need for concerted efforts to protect and manage Angola's forests sustainably.

The situation in Angola serves as a call to action for the global community to recognize the importance of forest conservation and the implementation of sustainable land management practices to mitigate environmental degradation and promote ecological resilience.

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