Angola has witnessed a significant trend in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident being a fire alert in the Cuando Cubango Province. The country, which boasts an area of over 124 million hectares, has seen a tree cover extent of approximately 55 million hectares. However, the stability of this cover is under threat, with a net change indicating a 4.41% decrease in tree cover.
Shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover reduction and associated CO2 emissions. The impact of wildfires, while comparatively less, has been persistent, contributing to the overall environmental strain. In 2021 alone, nearly 300,000 hectares of tree cover were lost, with shifting agriculture and wildfires being the primary culprits.
Explore country profileThe recent fire alert in Cuando Cubango Province underscores the ongoing challenge of managing and preserving Angola's natural resources. The cumulative effect of these losses over the years has not only ecological but also economic and social implications for the nation. As Angola continues to face these environmental challenges, the need for sustainable management practices becomes increasingly critical.
