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29 Jan 2025

Sudan Battles Environmental Challenges as Tree Cover Loss Trends Fluctuate
Sudan Battles Environmental Challenges as Tree Cover Loss Trends Fluctuate

In a recent environmental update, Sudan has been facing significant ecological challenges, with data revealing a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss over the past two decades. The country, which spans over 187 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 72,712 hectares. Notably, shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of this loss, contributing significantly to the country's changing landscape.

The impact of shifting agriculture on tree cover loss has been profound, with an estimated 20,300 hectares affected in 2023 alone, accounting for a staggering 89% of the total loss for that year. This practice has consistently been the leading cause, overshadowing other factors such as wildfires and urbanization. In 2021, shifting agriculture was responsible for nearly 40% of the tree cover loss.

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Wildfires, although less significant in comparison, have also contributed to the loss, with a notable incident occurring in Sennar, Sudan, as recently as January 2025. This incident underlines the ongoing vulnerability of the region to environmental disturbances.

Over the years, the country has seen a net change in tree cover, with a gain of approximately 216,598 hectares against a loss of 85,309 hectares. This represents a net positive change of 131,289 hectares, which is a 3.45% increase from the baseline tree cover. Despite these gains, the disturbances, including a recorded 2,345 hectares, highlight the dynamic and often precarious state of Sudan's natural environment.

The data underscores the need for continued monitoring and strategic intervention to mitigate the effects of shifting agriculture and other contributing factors to ensure the sustainability of Sudan's rich biodiversity and the health of its ecosystems.

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