Large-scale deforestation will continue in Bolivia

Significance

The main culprit is the expansion of soya cultivation, especially in Santa Cruz department. The government pays lip service to the need to preserve the Amazon biome but adopts a permissive stance. Around one-seventh of the Amazon rainforest is in Bolivia.

Impacts

• Bolivia is likely to come under growing international pressure to curb deforestation.
• Forest fires will become increasingly regular events.
• Domestic political pressure regarding deforestation will remain ineffectual.
• Plans to develop biofuels may speed up deforestation.