The Bolivian Government has ordered the implementation of virtual classes in the most affected departments and the suspension of flights at Viru Viru Airport, in Santa Cruz, the most important economic region in the country, due to pollution and smoke caused by forest fires in Bolivia.
Several Bolivian cities, such as Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and La Paz, woke up to a thick layer of smoke and poor visibility due to the fires, leading the government of Luis Arce to declare a national emergency.
Forest fires in Bolivia
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Air pollution levels in the departments of Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando reached an air quality index (AQI) of over 300, which is considered very bad for health.
Instructions for conducting virtual classes are given at a national level, subject to prior assessment by local authorities, but with priority given to the three departments mentioned above.
Students should be prevented from engaging in outdoor activities to prevent them from inhaling contaminated air.
Due to the lack of visibility on the runway of Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, caused by smoke, Bolivian Air Navigation and Airports (Naabol) ordered the suspension of takeoffs.
According to some private foundations, fire has consumed approximately 4 million hectares so far this year, due to authorized burning or ‘slash-and-burn’ to prepare land for crops or livestock, while the Government has estimated the loss of 3.8 million hectares of forest and grassland.
The fires, which began last May, have gotten out of control to the point of affecting production and tourism in areas such as Chiquitania, a transition region between the Chaco and the Amazon in Bolivia, which is one of the most affected by fire and pollution.
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2024-09-09 20:18:21
Forest Fires in Bolivia: A National Emergency
Bolivia is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis as forest fires rage across the country, prompting the government to declare a national emergency. The blazes have affected over 6 million hectares of land, mainly in the eastern regions of Bolivia, particularly in the departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando [[1]].
The situation has become so dire that the government has ordered the implementation of virtual classes in the most affected departments, while flights at Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz, the country’s economic hub, have been suspended due to poor visibility caused by pollution and smoke. Several Bolivian cities, including Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and La Paz, have been blanketed by a thick layer of smoke, making outdoor activities hazardous for residents.
Air pollution levels have reached an air quality index (AQI) of over 300, considered very bad for health. As a result, students have been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities to prevent inhaling contaminated air. The government has instructed local authorities to assess the situation and give priority to the three departments most affected by the fires.
The fires, which began in May, have gotten out of control, affecting production and tourism in areas like Chiquitania, a transition region between the Chaco and the Amazon in Bolivia, one of the most affected by fire and pollution. According to private foundations, the fires have consumed approximately 4 million hectares of land so far this year, mainly due to authorized burning or ‘slash-and-burn’ to prepare land for crops or livestock. The government estimates that 3.8 million hectares of forest and grassland have been lost [[2]].
In recent weeks, the situation has escalated, with NASA’s SERVIR Amazon Fire Dashboard reporting 7,761 active fires in Bolivia on October 22, 2023 [[2]]. The devastating impact of the fires is not limited to the environment; it also affects the country’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
Locals are taking care of animals affected by the fires, with some organizations providing support to those affected by the disaster [[3]]. The government
What measures is the Bolivian government taking to combat the forest fires and protect citizens from poor air quality?
Forest Fires in Bolivia: A National Emergency
The Bolivian government has recently declared a national emergency due to the devastating forest fires that have been raging across the country. The fires, which began in May, have already consumed approximately 4 million hectares of forest and grassland, according to private foundations, while the government estimates the loss to be around 3.8 million hectares. The situation has become so critical that the government has been forced to take drastic measures to protect its citizens and the environment.
Impact on Air Quality and Health
The forest fires have led to a significant deterioration in air quality, with air pollution levels in the departments of Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando reaching an air quality index (AQI) of over 300, which is considered very bad for health. The poor air quality has forced the government to take measures to protect citizens, especially students, from inhaling contaminated air. Instructions have been given for conducting virtual classes at a national level, with priority given to the three departments mentioned above. Students have been advised to avoid engaging in outdoor activities to prevent them from inhaling polluted air.
Suspension of Flights and Classes
The situation has become so critical that the government has been forced to suspend flights at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz, the most important economic region in the country, due to poor visibility caused by smoke. This has not only affected air travel but also has significant implications for the economy and tourism.
Affected Regions
The regions most affected by the forest fires and pollution are Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and La Paz. Chiquitania, a transition region between the Chaco and the Amazon in Bolivia, has been particularly hard hit, with production and tourism severely impacted.
Government Response
The Bolivian government, led by President Luis Arce, has declared a national emergency and is working to combat the fires and mitigate their impact. The government has also estimated the loss of 3.8 million hectares of forest and grassland, and is working to assess the full extent of the damage.
International Response
Organizations such as Save the Children are responding to the crisis by addressing needs for water, sanitation, protection, and livelihoods in affected areas [[2]].
Background on Forest Fires in Bolivia
Forest fires are a common occurrence in Bolivia, with the peak fire season typically beginning in mid-July and lasting around 16 weeks [[1]]. Satellites have detected widespread fire activity in Bolivia’s lowlands, which is not unusual in a country with a long-standing practice of lighting fires [[3]].
the forest fires in Bolivia have reached a crisis point, with devastating consequences for the environment, citizens, and the economy. The government has declared a national emergency and is working to combat the fires and mitigate their impact. The international community is also responding to the crisis, with organizations such as Save the Children providing support to affected areas. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for Bolivians and the international community to come together to address this environmental disaster.
