The definition of forest is based on nationally appropriate criteria chosen in line with the Marrakesh Accords (UNFCCC, 2001) and is described as followed: “Land covered primarily by trees, but also often containing shrubs, palms, bamboo, herbs, grass and climbers, with a minimum tree crown cover of 30% (or equivalent stocking level), with the potential to reach a minimum canopy height at maturity in situ of 5 meters, and a minimum area of 1.0 ha”. On the other hand forest cover is a percentage of land within a specific area covered by forests.

The percentages of forest area have been determined based on map areas of the National Land Use and Land Cover Map of 2020 and the available Post-Deforestation Land Use and Land Cover Maps. The figures for the year 2023 have been estimated based on previous data.

The table of the forest cover percentage has been updated and aligned with recently available figures form the Forest Cover Monitoring Unit (FCMU). For more information, kindly contact SBB:
Secretary.
FCMU.