Tanzania has witnessed a significant tree cover loss over the years, with the latest incident reported in the Mtwara Region. The country, which boasts an area of over 94 million hectares, has seen its tree cover extent reduced to approximately 26.40 million hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver of this loss, contributing to the majority of the deforestation. Other factors such as forestry activities, urbanization, and wildfires also play a role, albeit to a lesser extent.
The net change in tree cover indicates a concerning trend, with a loss of over 4.30 million hectares and a gain of just 557,235 hectares, resulting in a net loss of approximately 3.80 million hectares. This equates to an overall decrease of 11.30% in tree cover. The impact of these changes is profound, affecting not only the environment but also the biodiversity and climate regulation functions that these forests provide.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident, while isolated, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Tanzania faces in managing its natural resources. The cumulative effect of these losses over time underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to forest conservation and sustainable land management practices.
