Bolivia is facing a significant environmental challenge as the latest data indicates a rise in wildfires, with the Santa Cruz Department recently reporting an incident. This comes amidst a broader trend of increasing tree cover loss across the nation. Over the past two decades, Bolivia has experienced a net loss of over 3.30 million hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 5.60% decrease in its total tree cover extent.
Shifting agriculture remains the primary driver of this loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation. In 2022 alone, shifting agriculture was responsible for the loss of approximately 157,000 hectares of tree cover. Forestry activities and wildfires also contribute to the issue, though to a lesser extent. The cumulative effect of these factors has not only altered the landscape but has also resulted in significant emissions of CO2, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.
Explore country profileThe situation in Bolivia underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices and effective strategies to combat wildfires. As the country grapples with these environmental setbacks, the focus on preserving its rich biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts becomes increasingly critical.
