Shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost over the years. Other factors such as forestry and wildfires have also contributed to the decline, though to a much lesser extent. The data indicates a trend of increasing tree cover loss, with recent years showing some of the highest figures. For instance, in 2022, the country lost over 266,000 hectares of tree cover.
The latest fire incident, although isolated, is a reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges facing Angola. The cumulative effect of these incidents and drivers of tree cover loss over the years underscores the need for increased attention to sustainable land management and environmental protection strategies in the region.
