Central African Republic Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

Central African Republic Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Fire Incidents

The Central African Republic (CAR) is facing significant environmental challenges as recent data reveals a consistent pattern of tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 1.32%, a concerning figure considering the country's total area of over 62 million hectares, of which around 47 million hectares were covered by trees.

Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this deforestation, accounting for the vast majority of the tree cover loss each year. For instance, in 2021 alone, shifting agriculture was responsible for over 96% of the total tree cover loss, which stood at 67,180 hectares. This practice not only reduces the forested area but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with 2021 emissions estimated at over 36 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.