Zambia is facing a growing challenge with tree cover loss and an increase in fire incidents, as recent data indicates. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a significant reduction in its tree cover. The total area of tree cover loss has reached over 3.64 million hectares, which is a concerning figure given that the country's total tree cover extends to approximately 24.05 million hectares.
The primary driver of this loss has been identified as shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the deforestation. Other contributing factors include urbanization, wildfires, and forestry activities. The impact of these drivers has been profound, with the net change in tree cover showing a decrease of around 2.87 million hectares, marking a 7.31% reduction from the stable tree cover.
Explore country profileIn addition to the loss of tree cover, Zambia has also witnessed fire incidents, with the latest alert coming from the Northern Province. These fires not only contribute to the loss of tree cover but also have significant implications for the country's biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
The situation in Zambia reflects a broader concern for environmental sustainability and the urgent need for measures to mitigate tree cover loss and manage fire incidents more effectively.
