The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a critical challenge with a recent fire incident in Lualaba, reflecting a broader issue of deforestation in the country. Over the past two decades, the DRC has experienced significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of this loss. The data shows a net loss of 6,001,904.69 hectares of tree cover, which is a 3.55% decrease from the stable tree cover extent.
The impact of shifting agriculture overshadows other drivers such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization. While the latter three have contributed to the loss, their combined effect is minimal compared to the overwhelming influence of agricultural practices. This pattern of loss has led to a substantial release of carbon emissions, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.
Explore country profileThe single fire alert in Lualaba may seem minor, but it is emblematic of a larger trend that has seen millions of hectares of forest cover lost, with significant implications for the country's biodiversity, climate, and local communities. The DRC's vast forest reserves are a critical component of the global ecosystem, and the continued loss of tree cover is a cause for international concern.
