Central African Republic Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

Central African Republic Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

The Central African Republic has faced significant environmental challenges, with recent data revealing a concerning trend in tree cover loss and fire incidents. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 1.32% in tree cover, a figure that translates to a loss of over 1.21 million hectares. This loss is juxtaposed against a modest gain of around 482,000 hectares, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain the country's forested areas.

Shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost. This practice, along with other factors such as forestry, has also contributed to the gross emissions of CO2 equivalent, exacerbating the country's environmental footprint.