DRC Battles Deforestation: A Glimpse into North-Kivu's Lone Fire Incident

DRC Battles Deforestation: A Glimpse into North-Kivu's Lone Fire Incident

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a significant challenge in maintaining its vast forest cover. With an area spanning over 232 million hectares, the DRC's forests are a critical part of the region's ecosystem. However, recent data indicates a troubling trend of tree cover loss, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of deforestation.

Over the years, the DRC has experienced a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss, with a notable peak in 2014 when over 1.33 million hectares were lost. This loss has had a substantial impact on the environment, as the forest plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The net change in tree cover reveals a loss of approximately 7.59 million hectares, partially offset by a gain of about 1.59 million hectares. This results in a net loss of around 6 million hectares, marking a 3.55% decrease in tree cover.