Botswana Grapples with Tree Cover Challenges as Incidents Flare Up

Botswana Grapples with Tree Cover Challenges as Incidents Flare Up

Botswana has recently experienced a fire incident in the North-West District, raising concerns about the country's environmental health and the resilience of its forested areas. Over the years, Botswana's tree cover has undergone significant changes, with a net loss of approximately 1,268 hectares, which translates to a 0.71% decrease in tree cover. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which has been responsible for the majority of tree cover loss over the past two decades.

The latest incident, occurring on August 31, 2024, adds to the challenges faced by Botswana's ecosystems. Although the incident count is currently at one, the historical data suggests a pattern of environmental stress. Since 2001, Botswana has seen a fluctuating yet persistent decline in tree cover, with shifting agriculture causing both loss of trees and emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).