Swaziland, a country with a land area of approximately 1.74 million hectares, is grappling with significant tree cover loss, which has been a persistent issue over the years. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at around 469,227 hectares, has experienced a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of approximately 44,997 hectares and a gain of about 23,455 hectares, resulting in a net loss of 21,542 hectares. This translates to a net change of -3.03%.
The main drivers of tree cover loss in Swaziland have been identified as shifting agriculture and forestry activities. Shifting agriculture alone has contributed to a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, while forestry remains the leading cause. Wildfires have also played a role, although to a lesser extent. The latest incident report from 2024 highlights a fire alert in the Shiselweni Region, indicating that wildfires continue to be a concern for the country.
Explore country profileThe cumulative impact of these factors over the years has led to a considerable loss of tree cover, which has implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of local communities. The ongoing challenge for Swaziland is to address these losses while balancing the needs of its population and the environment.
