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30 Jan 2025

Senegal Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Loss Persists
Senegal Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Loss Persists

In a concerning environmental development, Senegal has experienced a persistent loss of tree cover over the years. The West African nation, with an area of approximately 19.70 million hectares, has seen a significant reduction in its tree cover, which currently stands at a mere 39,568 hectares. This loss has been primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which has consistently been the leading cause of deforestation in the region.

An analysis of historical data reveals a fluctuating yet troubling trend of tree cover loss. For instance, the year 2020 marked a peak with over 758 hectares lost, a stark contrast to the 161 hectares lost in 2023. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a negative net change in tree cover, with a loss of over 108,000 hectares and a gain of approximately 77,000 hectares, leading to a net loss of about 31,000 hectares. This equates to a 0.76% decrease in tree cover, a significant figure given the country's total land area.

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Wildfires have also contributed to this loss, albeit to a lesser extent than agriculture. The latest incident on January 30, 2025, in the Matam Region, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Senegal faces in managing its natural resources. The cumulative effect of these losses is not only a reduction in biodiversity but also an increase in CO2 emissions, which exacerbates the global climate crisis.

As the country continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the data underscores the need for sustainable land management practices that balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation.

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