Burkina Faso Battles Isolated Fire Incident Amidst Ongoing Tree Cover Challenges

Burkina Faso Battles Isolated Fire Incident Amidst Ongoing Tree Cover Challenges

In a recent development, Burkina Faso faced a fire incident in the Est Region, marking a continued concern for environmental stability in the country. Over the years, Burkina Faso has experienced significant fluctuations in tree cover, with a net loss of 0.36% in tree cover extent. This loss has been primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which has been responsible for the majority of tree cover loss over the past two decades.

The latest incident on November 28, 2024, adds to the country's environmental challenges. Although the incident was isolated, with only one fire alert reported, it underscores the vulnerability of the region's tree cover. The historical data reveals a pattern of tree cover loss, with a cumulative loss of 151,938 hectares, partially offset by a gain of 142,766 hectares. However, the net loss stands at 9,171 hectares, indicating a persistent decline in tree cover.