Bolivia, a country with unique biodiversity, faces recurring forest fires that devastate its territory, exacerbated by agricultural expansion, coca cultivation, illegal mining, and deforestation. Despite the severity of the fires in 2018, the ruling government has not adopted preventive measures or effective public policies to prevent the situation from recurring in 2024. The fires in 2018 were already devastating, both environmentally and economically, and the government’s inaction has allowed, and some say even encouraged, the situation to repeat itself six years later.
The main problem lies in the uncontrolled expansion of the agricultural frontier, driven by the cultivation of soy, coca, and extensive cattle ranching, which has been one of the main causes of deforestation. Despite criticism of the incendiary laws and decrees that facilitate the use of fire for agricultural activities, no actions have been taken to repeal them or to establish effective public policies to stop the destruction of forests.
The lack of resources and institutional coordination is evident. Firefighters and forest brigades are not adequately equipped or trained to deal with large-scale fires, resulting in an insufficient response to environmental emergencies. Additionally, climate change, with prolonged droughts and high temperatures, has increased the frequency and intensity of fires, although it cannot be used as an excuse for the government’s inaction.
A cultural aspect of this issue is the lack of foresight and planning, both in public policies and in daily life. In Bolivia, prevention is not ingrained, and the tendency is to make reactive decisions rather than proactive ones, leading to an inability to effectively manage crises. Improvisation has become a constant, and this is reflected in the management of natural resources and the inability to prevent disasters.
The lack of discipline is also a critical issue. Although environmental policies exist, their implementation is inconsistent and not enforced with the necessary rigor. The burning of lands and the use of protected areas continue without strict controls, reflecting a lack of commitment to legality and responsibility in public management. This short-term, extractive approach has led to the destruction of ecosystems, fueling the cycle of fires that Bolivia faces year after year.
The impact of these fires is not limited to the environment. The most vulnerable communities, which depend on natural resources for their livelihood, are the most affected. The loss of forests means the loss of livelihoods, leaving many people without access to food, medicine, or building materials. The State's lack of planning perpetuates poverty and marginalization of these sectors of the population.
Lastly, improvisation is not just a political problem but a cultural one. Instead of anticipating and planning, action is only taken when disaster has already struck. This reflects a worldview that does not value the importance of discipline and planning, which are fundamental elements for a sustainable society. While other countries in the region have begun to implement more effective policies to tackle climate change, Bolivia remains behind, trapped in a culture of delayed reaction.
To break this destructive cycle, Bolivia needs a profound change in its culture of foresight and planning. The government must adopt stricter public policies and ensure their implementation with discipline. Moreover, it is crucial to commit genuinely to environmental protection, promoting responsible management of natural resources and strengthening emergency response capacities.
Bolivia must leave behind improvisation and begin to plan seriously and sustainably to prevent forest fires from continuing to devastate the country. The lesson from 2018 and its repetition in 2024 can no longer be ignored; it is time to change course and build a culture of foresight, discipline, and responsibility to protect Bolivia’s future and its invaluable natural heritage.
Entradas
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario