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26 Oct 2024

South Africa Battles Tree Cover Loss Amid Rising Shifting Agriculture and Forestry
South Africa Battles Tree Cover Loss Amid Rising Shifting Agriculture and Forestry

South Africa has been facing a significant challenge in managing its tree cover, which is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Over the years, the country has seen a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, with a notable impact from shifting agriculture and forestry activities. According to recent data, South Africa's tree cover extent stands at approximately 5.98 million hectares, which has been under pressure from various drivers of deforestation.

The most significant contributors to tree cover loss have been shifting agriculture and forestry, accounting for substantial portions of the total loss each year. For instance, in 2022, shifting agriculture was responsible for a loss of approximately 12,135 hectares, while forestry activities led to around 27,540 hectares of loss. These two drivers alone have consistently been the leading causes of tree cover depletion.

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Wildfires and urbanization also play a role, though to a lesser extent. In the same year, wildfires contributed to a loss of around 419 hectares, and urban development accounted for approximately 362 hectares. The cumulative effect of these factors has led to a net change in tree cover that reflects a loss of over 141,776 hectares, indicating a negative trend of -1.86%.

The latest incident from October 26, 2024, reported a fire alert in the North West region of South Africa, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing and preserving its tree cover. This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of these drivers and preserve South Africa's natural heritage.

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