Guinea May Soon be Added to the Map of the Sahel Region

 

Understanding Forest Area Changes in Guinea and Senegal in 2020, by Francois Phopho Kamano, Global Data Analyst.

Forests play a vital role in supporting the planet's biodiversity, regulating the climate, and providing livelihood for millions of people worldwide. However, the world's forests are facing unprecedented threats due to deforestation, climate change, and human activities that continue to degrade their quality and quantity. This article focuses on the forest area changes in Guinea and Senegal in 2020, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to the FAO, Guinea experienced a negative net forest area change of -0.594% in 2020, while Senegal recorded a -0.483% change. These figures imply that both countries experienced a decline in their forest areas in 2020, and the negative changes are an alarming sign that needs urgent attention from policymakers and decision-makers.

One possible reason for the decrease in forest area is deforestation, which is caused by the clearing of forests for agricultural expansion, logging, and fuelwood collection. In both Guinea and Senegal, agriculture is the main driver of deforestation, with small-scale farmers clearing forests to cultivate
crops and raise livestock. The expansion of mining activities, urbanization, and infrastructure development also contributes to the reduction in forest area, as these activities require large tracts of land, often leading to deforestation.

Moreover, climate change is another significant factor that contributes to forest area changes, as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather conditions affect forest growth and health. The degradation of forest quality due to climate change also exacerbates the impact of other human
activities that affect forest area changes.

To mitigate the negative forest area changes in Guinea and Senegal, policymakers and decision-makers need to prioritize forest conservation and management. It is essential to adopt measures that promote sustainable land use practices, including agroforestry, reforestation, and afforestation, that support the
growth and maintenance of forest areas. Additionally, policymakers should focus on promoting alternative livelihoods for communities that depend on forest resources, such as sustainable forest management, ecotourism, and non-timber forest products.

The graph below is showing the trend of forest area changes in Guinea and
Senegal from 1990 to 2020:







As seen in the graph, both countries experienced a steady decline in forest area from 1990 to 2020, with a more significant decline in Guinea compared to Senegal. The negative trend is a cause for concern, and urgent measures are necessary to halt the decline and restore the forest areas.

In conclusion, the negative forest area changes in Guinea and Senegal in 2020 signify a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. Forests are essential for sustaining life on earth, and their conservation and management are crucial for achieving sustainable development. Therefore, policymakers and decision-makers must prioritize forest conservation and management, promote sustainable land use practices, and engage local communities to achieve a sustainable future.

Bibliography:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2020. The State of the World's Forests 2020. Rome.

Global Forest Watch. 2021. Deforestation. Retrieved from

 

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