The cost and consequences of deforestation in Bolivia.

Biodiversity is plummeting. The Chiquitania and Chaco biomes, both of which are biodiversity hotspots, have seen significant deforestation, threatening local species. Since the late 1980s, Bolivia has lost a large portion of its forests, especially in areas like Santa Cruz,. This loss of forest cover disrupts ecosystems, decreases wildlife populations, and accelerates the process of desertification. Between 1985 and 2022, the region experienced a 60% loss in surface water, partly due to changes in rainfall patterns, which can be directly linked to deforestation. This makes the region more vulnerable to droughts and water scarcity, particularly in agricultural areas that rely on irrigation.

The Impact of deforestation on human rights

Indigenous Peoples, particularly affected by deforestation and the expansion of industrial agriculture in Bolivia, have been at the forefront of the fight in defence of their territories. Indigenous organisations like the Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Bolivia (CIDOB) and the Single Trade Union Confederation of Peasant Workers of Bolivia (CSUTCB) have criticised the deforestation process. While a small number of large companies receive most of the loans and investments, peasant and smallholder farmers and Indigenous communities bear the environmental and social costs of deforestation, seeing their rights being ignored. These large companies often dominate political and economic decision-making, shaping policies in their favour.

Bolivia is grappling with an alarming surge in deforestation, driven primarily by the expansion of agribusiness, with devastating socio-ecological impacts that are exacerbated by climate change. Download the full executive summary to explore the key drivers, consequences, and potential solutions to this critical issue.