The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced a substantial loss of tree cover over the past two decades, with shifting agriculture identified as the primary driver. Analysis of historical data reveals that the DRC lost approximately 3.55% of its tree cover, translating to a net loss of around 6 million hectares. This deforestation has had significant environmental impacts, including the release of vast amounts of carbon emissions.
The trend of tree cover loss has been persistent, with the highest recorded loss in 2014, where over 1.30 million hectares were affected. Shifting agriculture remains the most significant contributor to this loss, accounting for the vast majority of deforested land. Other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization also play a role but to a much lesser extent.
Explore country profileThe latest incident report from North-Kivu indicates a continued threat of wildfires in the region, with a recent fire alert underscoring the ongoing challenges in managing forest resources. The DRC's rich biodiversity and vast forested areas are crucial for the global climate, and the loss of tree cover poses a threat to both local ecosystems and the global fight against climate change.
