Bolivia has recently faced a concerning rise in wildfire incidents, with the latest report indicating a fire alert in the Santa Cruz Department. This incident adds to the growing environmental challenges the country has been experiencing over the past two decades. Analysis of historical data reveals a significant loss of tree cover, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for a substantial portion of the deforestation.
From 2001 to 2022, Bolivia witnessed a staggering net loss of 3,944,665 hectares of tree cover, which is approximately 6.10% of its total tree cover extent. Shifting agriculture has been the leading cause, responsible for a majority of the tree cover loss each year. The data shows that in 2022 alone, shifting agriculture led to the loss of 156,979 hectares of tree cover. Wildfires, while less significant in terms of area, have been a persistent issue, with 1,349 hectares lost in 2022 due to fires.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses has not only impacted the country's rich biodiversity but also contributed to the release of nearly 298 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions in 2022. The trend of tree cover loss has been fluctuating, with some years witnessing more severe losses than others. However, the overall trajectory indicates a concerning decline in Bolivia's forest health and highlights the need for urgent attention to this environmental crisis.
