In a recent development, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported a solitary fire incident in the North-Kivu region. This event is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge the country faces with deforestation. Over the past two decades, the DRC has seen a significant reduction in tree cover. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver, contributing to an overwhelming majority of tree cover loss. The data reveals a net loss of 6,001,904.69 hectares, which equates to a 3.55% decrease in tree cover from an original extent of 199,281,686.53 hectares.
The DRC's vast forests are not only home to diverse wildlife but also a critical carbon sink. The loss of tree cover has resulted in substantial emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent, with shifting agriculture again being the principal contributor. Wildfires, though less frequent, along with urbanization and forestry, have also played a role in this environmental shift.
Explore country profileThe incident in North-Kivu is minor compared to the historical data, but it underscores the persistent threat of wildfires in the region. The DRC's challenge is not only to address the immediate incidents but also to manage the underlying causes of deforestation that have led to significant environmental changes over the years.
