The CAR, with an area of over 62 million hectares, has a significant tree cover extent of approximately 47 million hectares. However, the loss of tree cover has not only environmental but also potential socioeconomic impacts, as forests are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of local communities.
The trend over the years has shown a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss, with some years witnessing higher rates of deforestation than others. The data indicates that shifting agriculture remains the dominant driver of this loss, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management practices to balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation.
As the CAR continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the focus on preserving its remaining tree cover becomes increasingly important to ensure the health and sustainability of the region's natural resources.
