In a recent development, Senegal has recorded a single fire incident in the Kédougou Region, underscoring the ongoing environmental challenges faced by the country. Over the years, Senegal's tree cover has experienced significant fluctuations, with shifting agriculture being the primary driver of tree cover loss. Analysis of historical data reveals that the country has lost a total of 108,281.94 hectares of tree cover, while gaining 77,187.39 hectares, leading to a net loss of 31,94.55 hectares. This equates to a 0.76% decrease in tree cover, reflecting a concerning trend for the West African nation.
The impact of shifting agriculture is evident, with it being responsible for the majority of the tree cover loss over the years. The year 2020 marked the highest loss with 751.70 hectares attributed to this practice, signifying a critical need for sustainable land management strategies. Despite these challenges, the country's tree cover extent remains at 39,568.36 hectares, indicating that there are still significant forested areas that require protection and sustainable management to prevent further loss.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident, although isolated, is a reminder of the potential risks that fires pose to the remaining tree cover. It highlights the importance of vigilant fire management and environmental conservation efforts to safeguard Senegal's natural resources for future generations.
