Following catastrophic wildfires in Bolivia that destroyed around 10.7 million hectares of tropical forest, farmers now face a dilemma: to continue clearing land through burning or to invest in tree planting as a means to mitigate drought conditions. This decision holds significant implications for both agriculture and environmental sustainability in the region.
In the wake of the most devastating wildfires in Bolivia’s history, farmers are at a crossroads, faced with a critical decision regarding their agricultural practices. They must choose between continuing the traditional method of burning land to prepare it for cultivation or adopting more sustainable practices by planting trees to address the increasing severity of drought conditions. The land affected is extensive, with approximately 10.7 million hectares, roughly equivalent to the size of Portugal, ravaged in the eastern lowlands last year, as reported by the non-profit Bolivian Institute for Forest Research (IBIF).
Ultimately, Bolivian farmers must weigh the immediate benefits of clearing land through burning against the long-term advantages of reforestation and sustainable practices. The choice they make will have significant implications not only for their agricultural yield but also for the ecological balance as Bolivia contends with the ongoing challenges of climate change. By shifting towards tree planting, farmers may contribute to combating drought and preserving their environment.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
