Sustainability, Vol. 16, Pages 969: Public Policies and Social Actions to Prevent the Loss of the Chiquitano Dry Forest

Sustainability, Vol. 16, Pages 969: Public Policies and Social Actions to Prevent the Loss of the Chiquitano Dry Forest

Sustainability doi: 10.3390/su16030969

Authors: Oswaldo Maillard Carla Pinto-Herrera Roberto Vides-Almonacid Paola Pozo Claudia Belaunde Nicolas Mielich Huascar Azurduy Rosa Leny Cuellar

Despite more than two decades of efforts made to prevent the loss of the Chiquitano Dry Forest on the Bolivian side, deforestation and forest fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion, uncontrolled settlement and forest fires have continued putting its ecological integrity at high risk. Currently, this unique forest is severely vulnerable and under considerable pressure, which should generate worldwide attention and concern, considering its importance in terms of biodiversity and climate. In this opinion piece, we address the approach of policies and social actions to reverse the situation using the experiences of locals.