Deforestation, Forest Dynamics, and Climate Implications in Sierra Leone: Trends, Drivers and Carbon Flux in Sierra Leone (2000-2023)

Deforestation poses significant environmental challenges in Sierra Leone, with profound implications for carbon flux and climate regulation. This study examines forest dynamics, deforestation trends, and carbon emissions between 2000 and 2023, using high-resolution data from Global Forest Watch. Findings reveal a 36.3% decline in tree cover, predominantly driven by shifting agriculture (96.8%), with the highest deforestation rates recorded between 2013 and 2022, with 2017 recording the highest deforestation rate (232.75 Kha) which accounted for the highest carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (112.29 Mt CO 2 e). The Northern and Southern regions accounted for over 73% of total forest loss, while primary forest cover decreased by 14.3%, exacerbating carbon emissions. Despite 102.14 Kha of forest regrowth, the net forest loss of 544.64 Kha highlights the insufficiency of current reforestation efforts. The study underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management, reforestation initiatives, and climate-smart agriculture to mitigate deforestation and enhance carbon sequestration. Addressing socio-economic drivers and improving forest governance is critical to reversing forest degradation and supporting Sierra Leone's climate resilience.