Madagascar Faces Escalating Tree Cover Loss, Wildfires Pose New Threat

Madagascar Faces Escalating Tree Cover Loss, Wildfires Pose New Threat

Madagascar, an island nation renowned for its unique biodiversity, is grappling with the escalating challenge of tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a significant reduction in its forested areas, primarily due to shifting agriculture practices. The latest data reveals a concerning trend, with a net loss of 1,027,956 hectares, which constitutes a 5.89% decrease in tree cover from the total area.

Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of deforestation, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss. This practice involves clearing forest land for agriculture and, once the soil fertility diminishes, moving on to new areas, leaving behind a trail of degraded land. The data indicates that other factors such as forestry activities and wildfires also contribute to the loss, albeit to a much lesser extent.