Côte d'Ivoire Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident

Côte d'Ivoire Grapples with Tree Cover Loss and Single Fire Incident

Côte d'Ivoire has experienced significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 6.94%. The country's tree cover extent, initially covering an area of 14,872,640 hectares, has been subjected to various pressures, leading to a total loss of 2,530,533 hectares. Notably, shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of this loss, accounting for the vast majority of the tree cover decline.

The impact of urbanization, although comparatively smaller, has also contributed to the changing landscape. The data indicates a clear trend of increasing tree cover loss over the years, peaking in 2014 with 346,792 hectares lost. Despite efforts to regain tree cover, with a gain of 881,679 hectares, the net loss remains substantial.