In the West African nation of Togo, environmental concerns are mounting as data reveals a persistent loss of tree cover over the years. The country, with an area of approximately 5.70 million hectares, has seen a significant reduction in its tree cover, which currently stands at around 558,803 hectares. A closer examination of historical data indicates that shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, contributing to the majority of the deforestation activities.
Over the past two decades, Togo has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 133,009 hectares, which equates to a 5.86% decrease. This loss not only affects the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region but also has implications for carbon emissions, which are closely tied to deforestation. The latest incident reported from the Savanes Region on December 26, 2024, underscores the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces.
Explore country profileThe cumulative impact of these losses is significant, with urbanization also playing a minor role in the reduction of tree cover. However, the data does not specify the extent to which wildfires have contributed to these figures, leaving a gap in understanding the full scope of the environmental impact. As Togo continues to navigate these environmental challenges, the data highlights the critical need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate further loss of vital tree cover.
