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22 Nov 2024

Chile Confronts Tree Cover Challenges with Latest Fire Incident in Valparaíso
Chile Confronts Tree Cover Challenges with Latest Fire Incident in Valparaíso

Chile's recent fire incident in Valparaíso underscores the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing its tree cover. With an area spanning over 75 million hectares, Chile boasts a significant tree cover extent of approximately 19 million hectares. However, data reveals a troubling trend of tree cover loss over the years, with forestry activities and shifting agriculture being the primary drivers.

From 2001 to 2022, Chile experienced a total tree cover loss of over 2.30 million hectares. Forestry activities accounted for the majority of this loss, followed by shifting agriculture, which includes the clearing of forest land for cultivation. Wildfires and urbanization also contributed to the decline, albeit to a lesser extent.

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The impact of these losses is evident in the net change in tree cover. Despite some gains, the country saw a net loss of approximately 14,350 hectares, indicating a slight negative change in tree cover. This loss represents a delicate balance between development and environmental preservation.

The latest fire alert in Valparaíso, while isolated, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires to Chile's forests. As the country grapples with these incidents, the data highlights the importance of sustainable land management practices to mitigate tree cover loss and preserve Chile's natural heritage.

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