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27 Jul 2024

Uganda Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident in
Western Region
Uganda Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident in Western Region

Uganda, a country with an area of over 24 million hectares, is facing a significant decline in its tree cover. Over the years, the nation has experienced a net change in tree cover that indicates a 23.40% decrease, with a loss of approximately 1.24 million hectares and a modest gain of 185,000 hectares. The latest incident report from the Western Region of Uganda highlights a single fire alert, underscoring the ongoing challenges the country faces in terms of environmental degradation.

The historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver of tree cover loss, responsible for the vast majority of the decline. This practice alone has led to the loss of tens of thousands of hectares each year, with the peak year of 2017 recording over 108,000 hectares lost. Other contributing factors include urbanization, forestry activities, and wildfires, though to a lesser extent.

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The impact of these losses is not just limited to the environment but also has significant implications for the country's carbon emissions. The total gross emissions from tree cover loss have reached alarming levels, with the highest recorded in 2017 at over 51 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

As Uganda confronts these environmental challenges, the single fire alert in the Western Region is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires to the remaining tree cover. The country's struggle with tree cover loss is a complex issue that requires comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of shifting agriculture, urban expansion, and other drivers of deforestation.

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