Mozambique has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years. A recent incident on August 25, 2024, in the Inhambane Province, adds to the growing concerns about the country's environmental health. The country, which spans over 78 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 28.90 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a 10.21% decrease, indicating a loss of over 4.89 million hectares and a modest gain of about 583,000 hectares.
Shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, has also played a role in the diminishing tree cover. The data over the years paints a worrying trend, with the total tree cover loss showing a fluctuating yet overall increasing pattern. The year 2017 marked the highest recorded loss, with over 359,000 hectares affected.
Explore country profileThe environmental implications of this trend are profound, with the total gross emissions of CO2 equivalent reaching alarming levels, further exacerbating the global climate crisis. The recent fire incident, although isolated, is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental degradation in Mozambique and the need for urgent attention to the country's land management practices.
