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18 Oct 2024

Bolivia Battles Escalating Wildfires and Shifting Agriculture Impact
Bolivia Battles Escalating Wildfires and Shifting Agriculture Impact

Bolivia, with a total area of over 108 million hectares, is grappling with significant environmental challenges, as recent data reveals a worrying trend of tree cover loss and forest degradation. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a consistent decline in tree cover, primarily due to shifting agriculture and wildfires, which have emerged as the main drivers of deforestation.

Shifting agriculture alone has been responsible for a substantial portion of tree cover loss, with the latest figures showing a staggering 156,979 hectares affected in 2022, contributing to approximately 28% of the total CO2e gross emissions for that year. Wildfires, while less significant in terms of area, have also been a persistent issue, with the most recent incident occurring in the Santa Cruz Department, signaling an ongoing threat to Bolivia's forests.

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The cumulative impact of these environmental pressures over the years has been profound. Bolivia has seen a net loss of over 3.30 million hectares of tree cover, which represents a 5.60% decrease in its forested area. This loss not only threatens biodiversity and ecosystems but also has broader implications for climate change, as forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.

The data paints a clear picture of the environmental toll that these incidents have taken on Bolivia's natural resources. The country's forests, which once covered over 64 million hectares, are now at a critical juncture. The need for effective strategies to mitigate wildfires and manage shifting agricultural practices is more pressing than ever to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.

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