From 2001 to 2022, Bolivia has experienced a net loss of approximately 3.94 million hectares of tree cover, which is a 5.61% decrease from the stable tree cover extent. The country's tree cover extent, which was once over 64.50 million hectares, has been consistently declining, with shifting agriculture being the leading cause, responsible for significant emissions of CO2.
The data reveals that in 2022 alone, the total tree cover loss reached nearly 596,000 hectares, with shifting agriculture causing over 156,000 hectares of this loss. Forestry activities and wildfires also contributed to the loss, but to a lesser extent.
The impact of this loss is not only felt in the depletion of tree cover but also in the gross emissions of CO2, which have been substantial. The cumulative effect over the years has led to a pressing need for strategies to mitigate these losses and preserve Bolivia's rich biodiversity and natural resources.
