Zambezi River Basin

Deforestation

Zambezi River Basin countries have been losing forests over the decades, and this loss continues unabated. Rates of forest loss per year in the last 20 years have been significant with Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique recording the highest losses of 403 350 hectares, 327 000 hectares and 217 800 hectares, respectively, while Malawi and Namibia recorded the

smallest losses at 32 950 hectares and 73 600 hectares, respectively (FAO 2011). The main causes of forest loss include land clearance for agriculture and settlements due to growing population, and wild bush fires. In Botswana’s Chobe enclave, forest loss has also been caused by increased commercial logging by private companies and destruction by elephants.

Deforestation in Mt Mulanje Forest Reserve in 1989 (left) and 2010 (right). Mulanje Mountain is a Global Biosphere Reserve designated under UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme. Biodiversity of Mt. Mulanje is under threat from deforestation and encroachment, poaching, bush/

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