Cameroon, a country with over 46 million hectares of land, is facing a significant challenge in preserving its tree cover, which spans over 31 million hectares. A recent incident on December 23, 2024, in the North Region of Cameroon, adds to the growing concern over tree cover loss. Analysis of historical data reveals that the predominant driver of tree cover loss has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the vast majority of the 1.71% net change in tree cover observed.
Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a fluctuating but overall increasing trend in tree cover loss. Notably, the year 2014 saw the highest recorded loss at approximately 182,000 hectares, with shifting agriculture once again being the primary cause. This trend continued with significant losses in subsequent years, including over 202,000 hectares in 2020 and around 147,000 hectares in 2022.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses has been profound, with a net loss of over 625,000 hectares when accounting for tree cover gains. This represents a concerning trend for the country's biodiversity, water cycles, and local climate regulation. The latest incident in the North Region is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Cameroon faces in managing its natural resources.
