2025 Volume 16 Issue 1 Pages 81-88
This study employs advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and satellite imagery to conduct a comprehensive analysis of land use and land cover changes and deforestation trends over the course of three decades within the Cobija Municipality, situated in the heart of Bolivian Amazonia. The research focused on light on the intricate relationship between human activities, environmental alterations, and socio-economic conditions, particularly emphasizing Cobija city’s susceptibility to illegal logging, heavily influenced by the region’s low economic income. Within this geographic expanse, characterized by rich biodiversity and vast forest cover, Cobija grapples with pivotal challenges. Dominated by agroforestry (51.04%) and Amazonian fruit cultivation (29.16%) as primary economic activities, the area faced persistent hurdles in converting pastures into agriculturally viable fields. This struggle is compounded by socio-economic disparities, with 26.04% of the population earning the Bolivia’s minimum wage, and a striking 61.45% subsisting on incomes below this threshold. Notably, Cobija, despite being a significant timber supplier, stands as one of Bolivia’s poorest cities. The role of timber extraction significantly contributed to deforestation trends in Cobija, exacerbating the region’s socio-economic challenges. The lure of profits from the timber trade amplified the pressures on forested areas, rendering Cobija highly susceptible to deforestation practices. The outcomes of this research underscore the urgent need for nuanced policy interventions. By integrating economic incentives into conservation strategies, policymakers can address the intricate interplay between socio-economic conditions and environmental conservation in Cobija. This holistic approach is essential to foster sustainable land management practices, mitigate deforestation, reduce erosion risk and preserve the ecological integrity of the Bolivian Amazonia.
