Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia has reported that six months after the issuance of Constitutional Resolution No. 233/2024, concerns remain about the pace of compliance with mandated wildfire prevention measures.
The Second Constitutional Chamber of the Departmental Court of Justice of La Paz granted protection on reparative, preventive, and declarative grounds following a Popular Action initiated by the Ombudsman’s Office.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia reported that various entities were ordered to carry out specific actions aimed at preventing the recurrence of widespread environmental damage.
In 2024, Bolivia experienced the destruction of 12,658,157 hectares due to forest fires and uncontrolled burning, Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia stated.
It added that 7,215,149 hectares, or 57 percent, were forest areas and 5,443,008 hectares, or 43 percent, were grasslands.
The events impacted Indigenous and Original Peasant Nations and Peoples (NPIOC) and the country’s biodiversity, according to Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia acknowledged initial government efforts to comply with Constitutional Resolution No. 233/2024.
However, it expressed concern that these efforts were not sufficient to address the serious risks of repeating the 2024 environmental crisis.
The Ombudsman’s Office urged national, departmental, and municipal authorities to strengthen foresight and prevention measures.
It also reiterated the importance of public accountability and reporting on progress as required by the resolution.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia stated that serious prevention efforts were necessary to avoid environmental impacts comparable to those experienced over the past two decades.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia reported that it recently acted as an observer during meetings convened by the Ministry of Environment and Water.
The meetings aimed to formulate the 2025 Forest Fire Prevention Action Plan.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia stated that the plan seeks to identify human, financial, technical, and logistical needs for effective forest fire prevention, control, and response.
The plan is intended to be coordinated with Autonomous Territorial Entities, according to Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia emphasized the need for strict compliance with Constitutional Resolution No. 233/2024.
It warned that failure to comply could constitute violations of individual and collective rights under Bolivian law.
The Ombudsman’s Office reiterated its commitment to monitoring the fulfillment of the mandated actions.
It stated that safeguarding the rights of the Bolivian population and the integrity of Mother Earth remain a constitutional obligation.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia has reported ongoing concerns regarding compliance with Constitutional Resolution No. 233/2024.
The Second Constitutional Chamber of the Departmental Court of Justice of La Paz issued the resolution following wildfires that devastated 12,658,157 hectares in Bolivia.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia stated that the fires severely impacted Indigenous and Original Peasant Nations and biodiversity.
Initial government efforts have been made but are considered insufficient by Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia.
The Ombudsman’s Office observed meetings by the Ministry of Environment and Water to create a 2025 Forest Fire Prevention Action Plan.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia emphasized the importance of identifying necessary resources to prevent future fires.
The Ombudsman’s Office stressed that non-compliance with the resolution could violate protected rights.
Defensoría Del Pueblo, Estado Plurinacional DE Bolivia reiterated its commitment to monitor government actions to ensure compliance.
