Crisis in San Ignacio de Velasco: fires and water scarcity threaten the population.

The situation in eastern Bolivia is becoming increasingly critical due to the combination of forest fires and the shortage of drinking water. In San Ignacio de Velasco, one of the most affected regions, Mayor Carlos Ruddy Dorado has expressed his concern for the living conditions of the Chiquitano indigenous people and other residents facing this dual crisis. As the fires consume vast areas of vegetation, the lack of access to water has become a daily challenge for the community. Since the onset of the forest fires on June 3, the department of Santa Cruz has seen an alarming increase in fire activity, with at least 35 controlled fires in a short period. "The fire is persistent; it appears, is controlled, and then resurfaces. The situation is desperate," said Dorado, who is on the front lines of the fight against this natural disaster. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the population of San Ignacio, which numbers nearly 90,000 inhabitants, does not have enough drinking water for their daily needs. The municipality’s efforts to provide water to the population include drilling wells and installing a cistern intended to distribute water to schools. However, these measures are insufficient given the magnitude of the crisis. "The water ponds that supply livestock are drying up, which alarms the residents. The situation is unsustainable," the mayor comments. The lack of a water treatment plant has been a significant obstacle in providing safe water for the residents. The fires, located just 45 kilometers from the urban area, have reached pastures and cattle fields, endangering not only the health of the population but also their economic livelihood. "We have done everything possible to protect the town and homes, but the threat is constant," notes Dorado, who is aware of every new fire outbreak in the region. The fight against the fire is crucial not only for the protection of communities but also for the conservation of the environment and natural resources. In response to the advancing fires, the Bolivian government has decided to intensify its efforts by adding two aircraft to the five helicopters currently operating in the region. These aircraft are equipped with water dumping systems, known as "bambi buckets," which allow for aerial firefighting. However, many wonder if these actions will be enough to contain a phenomenon that has already devastated 1.7 million hectares of vegetation in the past three months. The outlook is concerning, given that the fire season in Bolivia extends until October, suggesting that the situation could worsen if more effective measures are not taken. The number of hectares consumed by forest fires in 2023 has reached 3.3 million, highlighting an alarming trend compared to previous years, such as 2019, when nearly six million hectares were burned in the Bolivian Amazon. The water crisis and forest fires not only affect the daily lives of the residents of San Ignacio de Velasco but also pose serious risks to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region. The loss of vegetation and the reduction of water resources threaten many species of flora and fauna that depend on these ecosystems for survival. As the community faces these challenges, it is essential that both local and national authorities, as well as international organizations, work together to address the crisis. The implementation of sustainable solutions for water management and the prevention of forest fires should be an immediate priority. This scenario not only highlights the vulnerability of the Chiquitano indigenous communities but also underscores the need for a more integrated approach to disaster management in Bolivia. Collaboration among different sectors is crucial to rebuild the resilience of these communities in the face of future crises, ensuring that they not only survive but also thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.