Wildfires have also been a contributing factor, although to a lesser extent compared to shifting agriculture and forestry. The cumulative impact of these drivers has led to significant gross emissions of CO2, with the latest figures showing a worrying upward trajectory.
The incident in Santa Cruz is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Bolivia faces in managing its natural resources. The country's rich biodiversity and the importance of its forests for carbon sequestration make it imperative to address these issues with effective strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and prevent future incidents.