To what extend has natural forest distributed in Africa?

Natural forests in Africa are distributed across the continent, covering a wide range of ecosystems and biomes. The extent of natural forest distribution in Africa varies by region, with some areas having dense, intact forests while others have been heavily degraded or converted to other land uses.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa has a total forest area of approximately 650 million hectares, accounting for around 16% of the continent's land area. However, much of this forest cover is fragmented and degraded, with only a small percentage of it considered to be intact or primary forest.

The Congo Basin in Central Africa is home to the second largest tropical rainforest in the world, after the Amazon, and is one of the most important areas for biodiversity conservation on the continent. Other significant forested regions in Africa include the Guinean Forests of West Africa, the Eastern Arc Mountains in East Africa, and the Miombo woodlands of Southern Africa.

Despite the importance of Africa's forests for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem services, deforestation and forest degradation continue to be major threats. Factors such as agricultural expansion, logging, mining, infrastructure development, and climate change are driving the loss of forest cover in many parts of the continent.

Efforts to conserve and restore Africa's forests are underway, including initiatives to promote sustainable forest management, community-based conservation, and the establishment of protected areas. However, more action is needed to address the drivers of deforestation and ensure the long-term conservation of Africa's valuable forest resources.

To what extend has natural forest distributed in Africa