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31 Aug 2024

Angola Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident
Angola Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident

In Angola, a recent fire incident in the Moxico Province underscores a persistent environmental challenge the country faces: escalating tree cover loss. Over the years, Angola has seen a significant reduction in its tree cover, with shifting agriculture as the primary driver, followed by wildfires and forestry activities.

Analysis of historical data reveals that from 2001 to 2022, Angola experienced a net loss of 2,188,485 hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 4.41% decrease in its tree cover extent. Shifting agriculture alone accounted for a substantial portion of this loss, with the highest recorded tree cover loss in 2021, amounting to 294,959 hectares.

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Wildfires, although not the leading cause, have also contributed to the depletion of Angola's tree cover. In 2022, wildfires resulted in the loss of 718.90 hectares, a figure that, while smaller in comparison to other drivers, still represents a significant impact on the environment.

The latest fire alert in Moxico Province, although involving just one incident, is a reminder of the ongoing threat that fires pose to the country's natural resources. With the cumulative effects of these incidents and other drivers of deforestation, Angola's rich biodiversity and the well-being of its ecosystems are at risk.

The situation calls for a comprehensive understanding of the trends and impacts of tree cover loss in Angola. As the country grapples with these environmental challenges, the focus must remain on the long-term sustainability of its forests and the broader implications for climate and habitat conservation.

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