The context of deforestation and degradation of forests in Bolivia: Drivers, agents and institutions.
Abstract
This document provides a thorough analysis of the drivers of deforestation and proposes a number of specific policy recommendations for forests of Bolivia. The paper suggests that potential mitigation measures need to take into account the stage of forest transition, distinguishing the areas of the agricultural frontier from areas with still intact forests and, finally, areas dominated by mosaics of agriculture and remaining forests. The analysis suggests that a priority measure to mitigate forest loss in agricultural frontier areas would be to control the expansion of cattle ranching on forest lands, as well as to improve efficiency to increase production in existing pastures. Options to reduce deforestation associated with mechanized agriculture are more limited because it tends to occur on good soils where it can be highly profitable. As regards to small-scale agriculture, potential measures need to take into account the large number of stakeholders, which implies the need to advance in a participatory manner towards improved soil use resulting in increased economic benefits. Regarding the country's remaining vast areas of forest, the suggestion is to support sustainable uses and improve measures of conservation, taking advantage of the fact that many of them are in indigenous territories or lands occupied by agro-extractive communities, protected areas and forest concessions.