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28 Aug 2024

Bolivia Battles Escalating Wildfires in Santa Cruz, Sees Significant Tree Cover Reduction
Bolivia Battles Escalating Wildfires in Santa Cruz, Sees Significant Tree Cover Reduction

Bolivia has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident being a wildfire in the Santa Cruz Department. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at over 64 million hectares, has experienced a net change of -5.61% due to various factors, including shifting agriculture, forestry, and wildfires. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver, accounting for substantial tree cover loss annually.

The data indicates a worrying trend, with the total tree cover loss reaching nearly 596,000 hectares in 2022 alone. This represents an increase in tree cover loss over the years, with shifting agriculture contributing to over 26% of this loss. Wildfires, although less significant in comparison, have also played a role, with incidents continuing to occur, such as the recent fire alert in Santa Cruz.

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The cumulative effect of these losses has had a profound impact on Bolivia's environment, with over 3.90 million hectares of tree cover lost and only about 617,000 hectares gained. This net loss of over 3.30 million hectares underscores the ongoing environmental challenges Bolivia faces, as the country grapples with preserving its natural resources amidst economic and developmental pressures.

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