Bolivia has experienced a significant escalation in tree cover loss over the years, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. The country, which boasts a tree cover extent of over 64 million hectares, has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a 5.61% decrease. This loss equates to approximately 3.94 million hectares, partially offset by a gain of around 617,000 hectares. Disturbances have affected an additional 2.71 million hectares.
The latest incident report from the Alto Paraguay Department indicates a continued threat from wildfires, with recent alerts highlighting the ongoing challenges Bolivia faces in this regard. Wildfires, although not the largest contributor to tree cover loss, have been a consistent factor over the years. The data shows a worrying trend, with the most recent year recording over 1,300 hectares lost to wildfires, a notable increase from previous years.
Explore country profileThis trend poses significant concerns for Bolivia's biodiversity, ecosystem services, and carbon storage capabilities. The country's forests play a crucial role in the global fight against climate change, and the loss of such vast areas could have far-reaching consequences.
