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14 Nov 2024

Bolivia Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires in Santa Cruz
Bolivia Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires in Santa Cruz

Bolivia has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the past two decades. The latest incident report from Santa Cruz Department indicates a concerning trend, with a single fire alert recorded on November 14, 2024, highlighting the ongoing struggle against wildfires in the region. This incident is a small representation of a larger issue that has seen a net loss of 3,324,443 hectares of tree cover, which is a 5.61% decrease from the stable tree cover extent of 52,561,114 hectares.

The primary driver of tree cover loss in Bolivia has been shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation. This practice alone has contributed to over 50% of the total tree cover loss in several years. Forestry activities and wildfires have also played significant roles, with wildfires showing a disturbing upward trend in the number of hectares lost over the years.

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The impact of these losses is not only ecological but also has significant carbon emissions implications. The total gross emissions from tree cover loss have reached staggering figures, with the highest recorded in 2020 at over 207 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

The data paints a grim picture of Bolivia's environmental challenges. While the country has seen some gains in tree cover, the losses far outweigh these positive changes, leading to a net negative impact on the country's forest resources. The ongoing incidents of wildfires, as seen in the Santa Cruz Department, serve as a stark reminder of the continuous threats to Bolivia's biodiversity and the urgent need for effective management and conservation strategies.

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