In the face of a recent wildfire incident in Alaotra-Mangoro, Madagascar, the country confronts an ongoing challenge with escalating tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, Madagascar has experienced a significant reduction in tree cover, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of the loss. The data reveals a concerning trend, with a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 1.02 million hectares, marking a 5.89% decline from the previous stable tree cover.
The impact of shifting agriculture is evident, with the most recent year showing a staggering 248,558 hectares lost to this practice alone. Forestry activities and wildfires also contribute to the loss, though to a much lesser extent. The cumulative effect of these drivers has not only reduced the island's lush forests but has also led to substantial emissions of carbon dioxide, exacerbating the global climate crisis.
Explore country profileMadagascar's rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems are at risk, with the loss of tree cover threatening endemic species and local livelihoods. The latest incident of a wildfire, although minor in scale with a single alert reported, underscores the vulnerability of the region to such disturbances. The country's struggle with tree cover loss is a stark reminder of the broader environmental challenges facing many regions worldwide.
