The **dry forest of Chiquitania**, located in **Bolivia** and bordering **Brazil**, is slowly beginning to recover after being burned in the most devastating forest fires in its history.
Amid this **devastating scenario**, the women of Santa Ana de Velasco, a community of 1,700 inhabitants 430 kilometers from Santa Cruz, are leading an ambitious **reforestation project** to bring life back to the forests and ensure their livelihoods.
Despite recent rains, the **lack of water** continues to affect the **crops**, exacerbating the difficulties of this population, mostly composed of indigenous women, who have decided to come together to **fight against environmental destruction**.
Through an innovative **reforestation method** known as **”seed bombing”**, they prepare earth spheres loaded with seeds of native trees. This effort is supported by **foundations and drone technology** to cover large land areas.
The challenge of “chaqueos” and recovery
The forest fires, exacerbated by the **climate crisis** and the agricultural practice of **”chaqueos”**, have left deep scars on the landscape. “Chaqueos” involve burning forests to prepare the land for cultivation, a technique that increases the **risk of uncontrolled fires**.
Between June and October 2024, more than 10.7 million hectares were **consumed by flames**, according to the Bolivian Forestry Research Institute (IBIF). Of this area, 63.6% corresponded to forested areas.
Julia Ortiz, one of the project leaders, speaking with the AFP agency, laments the devastation caused by fires and “chaqueos”: “We work with **the risk of the fire getting out of control**, but we have no other option.”
Despite the obstacles, the **women of Santa Ana** cling to the hope that their reforestation initiative will reverse the **ecological damage** and allow them to recover the vitality prior to the burned jungle.
Technology and awareness: a sustainable future
With the support of the **Flades Foundation** and **Swisscontact**, the first “seed bombing” over 500 hectares using drones is planned to be launched in March.
This project not only seeks to reforest but also to **raise awareness among the population** about the risks of **uncontrolled burns** and the need to be prepared to extinguish new fires quickly.
The lack of strict regulations and permissive policies, such as exemptions from **sanctions for fires**, have contributed to environmental deterioration. Additionally, the water crisis, aggravated by fires, limits the region’s capacity for **recovery**.
Upon the ashes of a forest still struggling to be reborn, the desire is that the fires do not return. This collective effort led by the women of Santa Ana symbolizes a struggle not only for the land but also for **a more sustainable and equitable future** for their community.
Burned forests and climate change: a combination to be avoided
The **WWF report “Fires, forests, and the future: a crisis out of control”** points out that globally 75% of fires are **caused by human activity**, either intentionally or through negligence. In this context, **climate change** amplifies and aggravates fires due to the lack of regulations, foresight, and prevention.
Furthermore, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 was the warmest year in history globally. The planet exceeded the **temperature of 1.5°C** above pre-industrial levels, leading to **extreme events** such as heatwaves, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, and floods.
Cover photo: Rodrigo Urzagasti
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