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31 Jan 2025

Pakistan's Forests Face Ongoing Threats: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tree Cover Dynamics
Pakistan's Forests Face Ongoing Threats: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tree Cover Dynamics

Pakistan has experienced a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss and gains over the years, with recent data showing a concerning pattern of deforestation and natural disturbances. The country's total area spans over 87 million hectares, with approximately 1.10% covered by forests. However, the stability of these forests is under constant threat from various drivers, including shifting agriculture, forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization.

From 2001 to 2023, the total tree cover loss in Pakistan amounted to over 38,695 hectares. Notably, the forestry sector has been the most significant driver, contributing to the majority of this loss. In 2003, the country saw the highest recorded tree cover loss of over 641 hectares, with forestry activities accounting for nearly half of this figure. Wildfires also played a role, although to a lesser extent, with notable peaks in 2004 and 2006.

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Despite these losses, Pakistan has also witnessed a tree cover gain of over 133,481 hectares during the same period, indicating some level of recovery and reforestation efforts. The net change in tree cover, which considers both loss and gain, shows a positive trend with a net gain of approximately 94,786 hectares, reflecting a 4.50% increase in tree cover.

The latest incident data from January 2025 reports a single fire alert in the Punjab region, suggesting that the threat of wildfires remains, albeit on a smaller scale compared to previous years. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan's forests and the need for continued vigilance and sustainable management practices to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

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