Bolivia is facing a significant challenge with an escalating loss of tree cover and the latest wildfire incident in the Santa Cruz Department. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 5.61%, with a total loss of over 3.94 million hectares. The primary driver of this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss.
The data indicates that the impact of wildfires, although less compared to agriculture and forestry, is still notable. In 2022 alone, wildfires contributed to a tree cover loss of over 1,349 hectares. The recent fire alert in Santa Cruz underscores the ongoing threat that wildfires pose to Bolivia's forests and highlights the need for urgent attention to this environmental concern.
Explore country profileThe loss of tree cover not only affects the natural landscape but also has significant implications for carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of these changes. The country's rich biodiversity and the well-being of its inhabitants are at risk if these trends continue.
