Aizawl, 23 Oct (Zoram News): According to recent data from Global Forest Watch, Mizoram has experienced substantial forest loss and environmental degradation. From 2001 to 2023, the state lost 312,000 hectares (kha) of tree cover, equivalent to a 16% decrease since 2000. This deforestation resulted in the emission of 165 million metric tons of CO₂ (MtCO₂e), contributing significantly to climate change.
Deforestation Overview
The most alarming aspect is the loss of humid primary forests, which are critical for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. From 2002 to 2023, Mizoram lost 17.5 khaof this vital forest type, representing 5.7% of its total tree cover loss in that period. The area of humid primary forests decreased by 5.9%, further endangering the state's rich biodiversity.
Mizoram’s total tree cover loss from 2001 to 2023 reached 312 kha, causing massive carbon emissions, with an overall reduction of 16% in forest cover over the 22-year span. The state saw emissions of 165 MtCO₂e, a worrying trend given India’s broader climate commitments.
Regional Disparities
Tree cover loss was not uniform across Mizoram, with the top three regions accounting for 62% of total forest loss:
- Champhai: 78.6 kha lost
- Lunglei: 62.2 kha lost
- Aizawl: 52.2 kha lost
These regions represent the hardest-hit areas in Mizoram, with Champhai alone losing almost 79 kha, significantly higher than the state's average of 39 kha.
Forest Gains and Stable Areas
Despite the troubling data, there were areas where tree cover gains were recorded. Between 2000 and 2020, Mizoram gained 16.6 kha of forest cover, equal to 0.88% of all tree cover gains in India. However, this positive development was overshadowed by the state's overall net tree cover change, with a loss of 40.6 kha during the same period.
The state still retains large stable forest areas, with 1.14 million hectares (Mha) classified as stable forests, but the pace of deforestation is cause for concern.
Fires: Another Threat to Forests
Mizoram also faces significant threats from forest fires. The data indicates a seasonal peak in fires, with a 12-week fire season beginning in late January each year. Between October 2023 and October 2024, there were 856 VIIRS fire alerts, significantly lower than previous years. The most fires recorded occurred in 2015, with 1,818 alerts. However, fires remain a significant driver of forest loss. From 2001 to 2023, 1.19 kha of tree cover was lost to fires, with the most substantial loss in 2005 when 142 hectares burned.
Carbon Stock and Emissions
Mizoram’s forests are vital carbon sinks, storing an estimated 389 Mt of carbon, with most of it in biomass. This breaks down into:
- 214 Mt of above-ground carbon
- 54.8 Mt of below-ground carbon
- 120 Mt of soil carbon
Despite these carbon stores, deforestation is leading to massive carbon emissions. Between 2001 and 2023, forests in Mizoram emitted an average of 7.18 MtCO₂e per year, with deforestation accounting for 1.20 MtCO₂e annually.
Impact of Deforestation
The rapid deforestation in Mizoram has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and local communities:
- Biodiversity Loss: Mizoram is home to numerous endemic species, and the destruction of primary forests puts these species at risk. The loss of habitats affects flora and fauna, pushing some species towards extinction.
- Climate Change: The loss of forests reduces Mizoram’s ability to act as a carbon sink, thus contributing to global climate change. With the state emitting 165 MtCO₂e from deforestation, it’s becoming a critical issue for India’s overall emissions reduction targets.
- Soil Degradation and Water Cycle Disruption: Tree cover loss accelerates soil erosion, which impacts water quality and the hydrological cycle in the region. As forest areas shrink, the ability of ecosystems to regulate water and prevent floods diminishes.
- Impact on Indigenous Communities: Many indigenous communities in Mizoram rely on forests for their livelihoods. The loss of tree cover affects their access to natural resources, making it harder to sustain traditional ways of life.
Steps Forward
In response to the deforestation crisis, both the state and central governments have introduced various measures aimed at forest conservation:
- Reforestation Programs: Efforts to plant trees and restore degraded lands are ongoing, though the results are yet to make a significant impact compared to the scale of loss.
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: The promotion of agroforestry and other sustainable land-use practices aims to balance the need for agricultural land with forest conservation.
- Community-Based Management: Local communities are being empowered to manage forests sustainably and develop alternative income sources, such as eco-tourism, to reduce the reliance on deforestation-driven activities.
- Stronger Enforcement: Strengthening forest protection laws and enforcing them more rigorously is seen as crucial to stopping illegal logging and land clearing.
Conclusion
Mizoram’s forests are under significant threat, with data showing an alarming rate of deforestation and associated carbon emissions. The loss of 312 kha of tree cover between 2001 and 2023 is a concerning trend, particularly given the state’s role in sequestering carbon and preserving biodiversity. While there are efforts to reverse the damage, such as reforestation and sustainable land use practices, the scale of the problem requires more urgent and coordinated action.
Addressing deforestation in Mizoram is not just about protecting the environment; it is about safeguarding the livelihoods of local communities, preserving biodiversity, and contributing to the global fight against climate change. With stronger governance, better resource management, and public awareness, there is hope for the recovery of Mizoram’s forests. However, the clock is ticking, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further degradation.
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