A recent fire incident in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, underscores the ongoing challenge the nation faces in preserving its tree cover. Over the past two decades, South Africa has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 1.86%. This decline is due to various factors, with forestry activities contributing to the most significant portion of tree cover loss, followed by shifting agriculture. Wildfires and urbanization also play a role but to a lesser extent.
The data indicates that the total tree cover loss over the years has resulted in a substantial decrease in the country's green assets. In 2021 alone, the tree cover loss was over 52,000 hectares, with forestry activities accounting for nearly 69% of this loss. Shifting agriculture was responsible for approximately 28% of the loss, while urbanization and wildfires contributed to around 0.60% and 0.30%, respectively.
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