Bolivia is grappling with an unprecedented environmental crisis, as wildfires have ravaged approximately 6.9 million hectares since June 2, 2024. The fires, which began in the Otuquis National Park near the Brazilian border, have not ceased for a single day, causing catastrophic damage to forests and grasslands.
Despite government efforts, including a national emergency declaration on September 7, the response has been inadequate. International firefighting teams have been deployed, and aerial operations have intensified, yet the flames continue to spread across the country.
On September 30, the situation escalated further as the government declared a national disaster, allowing public institutions to utilize resources more flexibly. Reports indicate that over 40 active fires persist in Santa Cruz, the hardest-hit region, with the smoke severely affecting air quality across multiple cities.
The practice of 'chaqueo', or land burning for agricultural purposes, has significantly worsened in recent years. The Foundation Tierra warns that the ongoing deforestation and large-scale burning threaten Bolivia's tropical forests, with the current year's destruction potentially doubling the annual average.
Experts emphasize the need for urgent legislative reform to combat the crisis, including the repeal of laws that facilitate illegal burning and deforestation. The government is under pressure to take decisive action to protect the country's rich biodiversity and mitigate the long-term environmental impacts of these wildfires.
As Bolivia continues to battle these devastating fires, the implications for local ecosystems, air quality, and indigenous communities are dire, necessitating immediate and comprehensive recovery efforts.