Bolivia has witnessed a significant incident of deforestation, with the latest fire alert reported in the Cochabamba Department. Over the past two decades, the nation has experienced a net loss of 3,324,443 hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 5.61% decrease in its forested area. Notably, shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver, responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss.
The data reveals a concerning trend, with the highest recorded loss in 2022, where 595,996 hectares were affected. This represents a stark increase from the previous year's 558,393 hectares, underscoring a critical situation that demands attention. Wildfires, although less significant in comparison to other factors, have also contributed to the degradation of Bolivia's forests.
Explore country profileWith 64,521,463 hectares of tree cover originally, the country's rich biodiversity and environmental stability are at risk. The recent incident in Cochabamba is a reminder of the ongoing challenges Bolivia faces in preserving its natural heritage. The cumulative impact of these losses not only affects the local ecosystem but also has broader implications for climate change and carbon emissions globally.
