Bolivia Faces Alarming Tree Cover Decline with Rising Wildfire Incidents in Potosi

Bolivia Faces Alarming Tree Cover Decline with Rising Wildfire Incidents in Potosi

Bolivia, a country with a vast area of over 108 million hectares, is experiencing a significant decline in tree cover. Recent data reveals a net decrease of approximately 3.30 million hectares, equating to a 5.60% reduction. This decline is primarily driven by shifting agriculture and wildfires. Notably, the Potosi Department reported a new wildfire incident on October 7, 2026. Over the years, wildfires have increasingly contributed to tree cover loss, with a notable spike in 2024, where wildfires accounted for 78.90% of the total loss. This trend underscores the urgent need for discussions on sustainable land management and wildfire prevention strategies.