2025

A potential turning point for Bolivia’s biodiversity conservation

Moraes, M.R., Fernández-Llazamares, Á., Aguirre, L.F., Maillard, O., Romero-Muñoz, A.

Nature Ecology & Evolution, 10: 158–159

Abstract

Bolivia ranks among the world’s most biologically diverse countries, and spans ecosystems that range from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes, Cerrado, Chaco and Chiquitano forests. This extraordinary mosaic harbours exceptional species, habitat and ecosystem diversity. Yet Bolivia’s biodiversity now stands at a critical juncture. Over the past two decades, accelerating deforestation, infrastructure expansion, agribusiness, illegal mining and wildlife trade have driven many ecosystems towards collapse3,4, which has had far-reaching consequences for human well-being, Indigenous livelihoods and climate resilience. The change of government following the 19 October 2025 general elections marks a political turning point and a historic opportunity to redefine Bolivia’s environmental trajectory.

The IEK-CHANGES project is an ERC Starting Grant funded by the European Union (IEK-CHANGES, 101117423) to Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares.

Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

© 2026 Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
All rights reserved

All Amazonian pictures by Joan de la Malla

Illustrations and logo design by Mar Cartró-Sabaté

El proyecto IEK-CHANGES es una beca «Starting Grant» del Consejo Europeo de Investigación (ERC) financiada por la Unión Europea (IEK-CHANGES, 101117423) y concedida al Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares.

No obstante, las opiniones y puntos de vista expresados son exclusivamente de los autores y no reflejan necesariamente los de la Unión Europea ni los de la Agencia Ejecutiva del Consejo Europeo de Investigación. Ni la Unión Europea ni la autoridad que concede la subvención se hacen responsables de los mismos.

© 2026 Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
Todos los derechos reservados

Todas las fotografías de la Amazonía son de Joan de la Malla

Ilustraciones y diseño del logotipo: Mar Cartró-Sabaté

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