Zambia is facing a significant challenge in preserving its tree cover, which spans over 24 million hectares, representing approximately 32% of the country's total land area. Over the past two decades, the nation has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 2.87 million hectares, marking a 7.30% decrease. The primary driver of this deforestation is shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss. Urbanization and wildfires also contribute to the decline, with recent incidents, such as the fire alert in Muchinga Province, highlighting the ongoing threat to Zambia's forests.
The loss of tree cover has profound implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of local communities. While there has been some tree cover gain, the pace is outstripped by the rate of loss, indicating a critical need for sustainable land management practices. The data reveals a pressing situation that calls for attention to the environmental and socio-economic impacts of deforestation in Zambia.
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