In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a solitary fire incident was reported in the Nord-Ubangi region on December 24, 2024, amidst a backdrop of significant tree cover loss over the past two decades. The DRC, with an area spanning over 232 million hectares, has experienced a net loss of tree cover amounting to approximately 7.59 million hectares, which is a 3.55% decrease from its original tree cover extent. The majority of this loss, driven by shifting agriculture, has led to a substantial release of carbon emissions.
Over the years, shifting agriculture has consistently been the leading cause of tree cover loss, contributing to over 98% of the total loss each year. Urbanization, while less significant, has also contributed to the gradual depletion of the DRC's forested areas. The impact of wildfires has been relatively minor in comparison, though they remain a concern for the region's environmental stability.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in Nord-Ubangi serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the DRC in managing its natural resources. With the country's vast forested landscapes under threat, the single fire alert underscores the importance of monitoring and protecting these critical ecosystems against further degradation.
