At the heart of the controversy, the new San Buenaventura-Ixiamas transmission line in Bolivia has sparked a heated debate for being a threat to a jaguar sanctuary.
This nearly 100-kilometer electrical infrastructure that crosses the north of La Paz threatens to disrupt the vital flow of the Passiflora biological corridor, a crucial space for the mobility of the jaguar, an emblematic species of the region.
On one hand, ENDE Transmisión argues that the project is essential to replace local diesel-based power generation, improving supply for communities, workshops, and local businesses. However, biologists and activists issue a severe warning about the environmental impact of such development.
The Amazon rainforest where Passiflora resides covers about 202 hectares and is part of the rewilding effort by Senda Verde.
This sanctuary is home to more than 300 bird species, nearly 80 amphibians and reptiles, and more than 30 mammals, including the majestic jaguar, which has been monitored with camera traps in the area.
The problem lies in that jaguars, according to Panthera, need large connected territories to survive and thrive.
Habitat fragmentation not only isolates these felines but also disrupts genetic connectivity and increases conflicts with human communities.
The construction of the power line involves not only the installation of towers but also the opening of roads and easements that facilitate the entry of hunters and loggers, further exposing the fragile ecosystem.
While ENDE acknowledges the challenges in releasing easements, Senda Verde has denounced multiple territorial violations.
Despite the legal action filed by Passiflora and Senda Verde in February 2025, the Bolivian justice system allowed the project to continue. Observers have questioned the project’s route, which could dangerously penetrate the jungle beyond what was initially planned.
This case reflects a recurring dilemma in Latin America: balancing the need for energy with environmental preservation. Although a power line can reduce diesel use, if it compromises a jaguar corridor, the consequences are profound and lasting.
The latest updates on the project’s progress appear in the Initial Public Accountability Report 2025 of ENDE Transmisión, where it remains actively listed in their project portfolio.
