Chile's rich forest ecosystems, covering an area of over 19 million hectares, have experienced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades. Analysis of historical data reveals that the country has faced a net loss of approximately 14,350 hectares, despite some gains in tree cover. The primary driver of this loss has been attributed to forestry activities, which account for the majority of the total tree cover loss. Shifting agriculture and urbanization also contribute to the decline, albeit to a lesser extent.
Notably, wildfires, while responsible for a smaller portion of the loss, remain a persistent threat to Chile's forests. This is exemplified by the latest incident in the Maule region, where a fire alert was registered on December 24, 2024. The cumulative effect of these factors has led to a net change in tree cover characterized by a 0.08% decrease, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the country's forest management and conservation efforts.
Explore country profileThe impact of these losses extends beyond the immediate environmental damage, as forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The loss of tree cover has resulted in millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions over the years, contributing to global climate change concerns. As Chile continues to grapple with these issues, the need for sustainable forest management strategies becomes increasingly apparent to ensure the preservation of these vital ecosystems for future generations.
