South Africa's Tree Cover Faces Challenges: Latest Fire Incident in Free State

South Africa's Tree Cover Faces Challenges: Latest Fire Incident in Free State

A recent fire incident on July 24, 2024, in the Free State region of South Africa has brought to light the ongoing challenges facing the country's tree cover. Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced significant tree cover loss, with forestry and shifting agriculture being the primary drivers. The data reveals a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares, which is a 1.86% decrease in tree cover from the original extent.

The most substantial losses were recorded in the years 2005, 2006, and 2017, with forestry activities accounting for the majority of this decline. Shifting agriculture also contributed significantly, particularly in the years 2015 and 2016. Wildfires, while less impactful in terms of area, remain a persistent threat, as evidenced by the latest incident.