Wildfires devastate 2.9 million hectares in Bolivia and generate a humanitarian crisis.

The alarming figures of wildfires in Bolivia have left a devastating mark on the ecosystem of the Andean country, affecting up to 2.9 million hectares so far. According to the Forestry and Land Authority (ABT), of this figure, 68% corresponds to grasslands and 32% to forests. The most impacted region is the municipality of San Matías, located in the eastern department of Santa Cruz, an area considered the economic engine of the country. However, estimates from Fundación Tierra, a private organization specializing in research on sustainable rural development, are even bleaker. This entity reports that, in reality, more than 4 million hectares have been devastated by fire, including over a million in protected areas. The fires are not only destroying flora but also threatening biodiversity and natural resources that are crucial for the local population. The magnitude of the crisis has intensified in recent weeks, as it has been confirmed that 20 municipalities have been affected by the fires. In Santa Cruz, 14 of these municipalities are directly in the line of fire, including towns like Urubichá, Concepción, and San Ignacio de Velasco. In the department of Beni, burning is reported in municipalities such as Magdalena and Huacaraje, while in Pando, the situation is similar in the town of Filadelfia. The impact of the fires goes beyond the destruction of flora and fauna. According to the Bolivian government, 62 communities have been affected by the fire, forcing many families to abandon their homes and leave behind their livelihoods. The forced displacement of these communities represents a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. The Chiquitano Dry Forest Observatory has reported that six protected areas have been affected by the fires, including the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park, an area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. The loss of this natural heritage is not only an environmental tragedy but also damages the cultural and traditional legacy of the communities that depend on these resources. In response to this crisis, the Vice Ministry of Civil Defense has issued reports and started implementing response measures. The ABT is expected to present regulations for Supreme Decree 5203, which includes stricter fines for those who cause fires or burns in the national territory. This action is crucial in the fight against the impunity that has characterized fire management in previous years. Between July and November 2023, more than 160 wildfires have been recorded, consuming 3.3 million hectares of forested areas, scrubland, and dry grasslands. Compared to previous years, 2019 stands out as the year with the greatest impact, where over 5 million hectares were burned. In 2022, the figure decreased, but more than 4 million hectares were still reported as affected. The international community has also been attentive to the situation. Neighboring countries, such as Peru, have expressed their solidarity and effective support for Bolivia in these critical moments. Regional cooperation is essential to tackle a problem that knows no borders and requires joint efforts for its mitigation. However, the fight against wildfires demands not only immediate actions but also a sustained long-term commitment. Environmental education and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices are essential to reduce the incidence of fires in the future. Moreover, it is imperative that public policies focus on the conservation of natural resources and the strengthening of resilient communities. In a context where climate change continues to affect weather patterns and increase the vulnerability of ecosystems, the situation in Bolivia is an urgent call to action. Protecting forests and protected areas is not only a governmental responsibility but a duty of society as a whole, which must unite in defense of its natural and cultural heritage.