In a concerning environmental development, Bolivia has recorded an alarming increase in tree cover loss over recent years, with the latest incident being a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Department on October 20, 2024. Bolivia, with an area of over 108 million hectares, has a significant tree cover extent of approximately 64.50 million hectares. However, the country has experienced a net change in tree cover with a loss of 3.94 million hectares and a modest gain of 617,221 hectares, resulting in a net loss of over 3.32 million hectares, marking a 5.61% decrease in tree cover.
The primary drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as shifting agriculture and forestry, contributing significantly to the overall degradation of Bolivia's forests. Shifting agriculture alone accounted for a staggering amount of the tree cover loss, with wildfires also playing a notable role, though to a lesser extent. The cumulative impact of these factors has not only led to a reduction in tree cover but has also resulted in substantial CO2 emissions, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.
Explore country profileThis trend of escalating tree cover loss and wildfires highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying causes and mitigate the environmental impact. The situation in Bolivia is a stark reminder of the broader challenges faced in forest conservation and the importance of sustainable land management practices.
