Authorities in Bolivia, South America, have declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue for several months.
On the 7th (local time), according to local media, Edmundo Novillo, Bolivia's Minister of Defense, stated at a press conference that "the declaration of a national state of emergency will allow us to receive cooperation from allied countries and the international community more quickly and effectively."
Currently, 72 wildfires across Bolivia remain uncontrolled, with Santa Cruz in the east reported as the most severely affected area. The wildfires have put protected areas and cultural heritage sites such as Noel Kemp Mercado National Park and the mountains of San Ignacio de Velasco and Concepci?n in Santa Cruz Department at risk. Bolivia has requested international support, citing a shortage of firefighting personnel to combat the fires.
The cause of the wildfires is attributed to drought caused by climate change. The drought has dried out vegetation, creating conditions conducive to wildfires. Additionally, it has been pointed out that the expansion of slash-and-burn agriculture over the past decade in Bolivia has increased the likelihood of uncontrollable wildfires.
Moreover, while large-scale land development for soybean cultivation and cattle raising led to record-high beef production last year, there are criticisms that an increasing amount of land is being burned.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
