Côte d'Ivoire has witnessed a significant environmental incident with the latest fire alert reported in the Zanzan District on November 25, 2024. This event adds to the country's ongoing challenges with tree cover loss, which has seen a net decrease of 6.94% over the years. The predominant driver of tree cover loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the loss and associated emissions. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, also plays a role in the changing landscape.
The country's tree cover extent spans over 14.80 million hectares, which has been under consistent threat, leading to a total loss of over 2.50 million hectares. The net change in tree cover reflects a disturbing trend, with a loss outpacing gains by nearly threefold. The environmental impact is profound, as the lost tree cover not only affects biodiversity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating climate change concerns.
Explore country profileThe data indicates that incidents such as the recent fire, while seemingly isolated, are part of a broader pattern of environmental degradation. The cumulative effect of these incidents poses a significant challenge to the ecological health and sustainability of Côte d'Ivoire's natural resources.
