Bolivia Battles Escalating Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Intensifies

Bolivia Battles Escalating Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Intensifies

Bolivia has been grappling with an increase in wildfires, with the latest incident reported in the Santa Cruz Department. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a significant decline in tree cover, with a net loss of over 3.30 million hectares, marking a 5.61% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture is the predominant driver, responsible for the majority of the tree cover loss. In 2022 alone, shifting agriculture accounted for approximately 26% of the total tree cover loss, while forestry activities and wildfires contributed to a lesser extent. The cumulative effect of these incidents has led to a substantial reduction in Bolivia's tree cover, which is critical for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of indigenous communities.