Botswana, a country with a land area of over 57 million hectares, has faced a recent fire incident in the Ghanzi District, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges. Despite a tree cover extent of approximately 20,328 hectares, Botswana has experienced a net loss in tree cover over the years. Analysis of historical data reveals a fluctuating yet persistent decline in tree cover due to various factors, with shifting agriculture being a notable driver.
From 2001 to 2022, Botswana saw a total tree cover loss of approximately 14,571 hectares. While the country has gained about 13,303 hectares in tree cover during the same period, the net change has been a loss of 1,268 hectares, indicating a negative trend of 0.71%. Notably, the impact of shifting agriculture has been significant, accounting for a portion of the tree cover loss each year.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident adds to the environmental pressures faced by Botswana. Such incidents underscore the need for continued monitoring and strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and protect the country's natural resources. The overall trend points to a delicate balance between land use and conservation, with the health of Botswana's ecosystems hanging in the balance.
