Congo Basin forest loss dominated by increasing smallholder clearing
A regional assessment of forest disturbance dynamics from 2000 to 2014 was performed for
the Congo Basin countries using time-series satellite data. Area of forest loss was estimated
and disaggregated by predisturbance forest type and direct disturbance driver. An estimated
84% of forest disturbance area in the region is due to small-scale, nonmechanized forest
clearing for agriculture. Annual rates of small-scale clearing for agriculture in primary forests
and woodlands doubled between 2000 and 2014, mirroring increasing population growth …
the Congo Basin countries using time-series satellite data. Area of forest loss was estimated
and disaggregated by predisturbance forest type and direct disturbance driver. An estimated
84% of forest disturbance area in the region is due to small-scale, nonmechanized forest
clearing for agriculture. Annual rates of small-scale clearing for agriculture in primary forests
and woodlands doubled between 2000 and 2014, mirroring increasing population growth …