Swaziland, a country with an area of over 1.70 million hectares, has experienced significant tree cover loss over the years. The latest incident reported on August 27, 2024, was a fire in the Shiselweni Region, marking yet another challenge to the country's environment. Analysis of historical data reveals a worrying trend, with forestry activities and shifting agriculture being the primary drivers of tree cover loss.
From 2001 to 2022, Swaziland lost over 94,000 hectares of tree cover, which is approximately 5% of its total tree cover extent. This loss has been accompanied by substantial carbon emissions, with forestry alone responsible for a significant portion. The year 2009 saw the highest recorded tree cover loss of over 10,600 hectares, while the most recent data from 2022 shows a loss of nearly 1,937 hectares.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover over the years has been negative, with a 3% decrease, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation efforts. The impact of these losses extends beyond environmental degradation, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of local communities.
