Mozambique Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident

Mozambique Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident

Mozambique has witnessed a significant escalation in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported in the Nampula Province on July 31, 2024. The country, which boasts an area of over 78 million hectares, has experienced a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of approximately 4.90 million hectares, equating to a 10.21% decrease in its tree cover extent.

Shifting agriculture has been identified as the predominant driver of this loss, contributing to the vast majority of deforestation. The impact of urbanization, although comparatively smaller, has been consistent. The absence of wildfires as a reported driver in the data suggests other factors are at play in the degradation of Mozambique's forests.