Tanzania is facing a significant challenge with an escalating loss of tree cover, as recent data indicates. The latest incident report from the Ruvuma Region has brought this issue into sharp focus, with a fire alert recorded on July 30, 2024. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of 11.30%, with a total loss of 4,374,164.77 hectares. This loss is juxtaposed against a modest gain of 557,235.61 hectares, highlighting a concerning trend for the nation's natural resources.
The primary driver of tree cover loss in Tanzania has been shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the decrease. Other contributing factors include forestry practices, urbanization, and wildfires. These activities have not only reduced the tree cover but have also resulted in significant emissions of CO2e, further exacerbating the environmental impact.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover reveals a disturbing disturbance of 1,437,826.82 hectares, emphasizing the need for urgent attention to this issue. As the country grapples with these incidents, the latest fire alert in the Ruvuma Region serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to Tanzania's forests and the broader implications for the environment and its inhabitants.
