Madagascar has witnessed a significant rise in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported on July 28, 2024, in the Analamanga region. The island nation, known for its unique biodiversity, has seen an alarming trend where the net change in tree cover has decreased by 5.89%, with a net loss of over 1 million hectares. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the tree cover decline.
The data reveals a persistent challenge as the country grapples with the consequences of land-use changes. While wildfires have been responsible for a relatively small fraction of the tree cover loss, their impact cannot be ignored. The single fire alert in Analamanga is a stark reminder of the persistent threat that these incidents pose to Madagascar's environment.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses is profound, with the total CO2 equivalent gross emissions from tree cover loss amounting to millions of megagrams over the years. The figures underscore the urgency for strategies that can mitigate these losses and preserve Madagascar's remaining forested areas, which are crucial for the ecological balance and the well-being of local communities.
