Bolivia: Government reported that almost 10 million hectares have been consumed by forest fires

Published at: 16/10/2024 08:08 AM

The Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia reported that nearly 10 million hectares have been consumed by forest fires so far this year, setting a new record for forest destruction in the country.

More than 60 percent of the affected areas were virgin forests; according to the latest report, 9.5 million hectares have been devastated, with Santa Cruz being the most impacted region, with 68% of the fires, followed by Beni, with 28%.

In total, nearly 3 million hectares of national parks and forest reserves have been destroyed, representing a severe blow to biodiversity

The data reveals that 61% of the burns have occurred in virgin areas, while 39% correspond to pastures and fallow land.

Authorities have indicated that most of the fires are due to the uncontrolled use of fire to clear agricultural land, as well as to deliberate burning for political and land grabbing purposes.

Mazo News Team