Bolivia Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires

Bolivia Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires

In a concerning environmental trend, Bolivia has witnessed a significant escalation in tree cover loss over the past two decades. The country, which boasts an area of over 108 million hectares, has experienced a net change in tree cover characterized by a 5.61% decrease. This loss equates to a troubling 3,941,665 hectares of diminished tree cover, despite a gain of 617,222 hectares in the same period.

The primary driver of this deforestation has been shifting agriculture, responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss. In 2022 alone, shifting agriculture led to the loss of 156,980 hectares. Forestry activities and wildfires have also contributed to this decline, with wildfires accounting for 1,349 hectares of tree cover loss in the same year.