Forest fires: Activists demand declaration of national disaster and 6 other demands

Activists, firefighters and citizens concerned about the environment and the damage caused by forest firessuch as the loss of forests and animals, as well as the impact on public health, marched this Wednesday in the capital of Santa Cruz. Enough of the fires! was the name with which they called to this citizen demonstration.

Upon arrival at the 24 de Septiembre square, the protesters issued a statement that Seven-point demand:

1.- Declaration of National Disaster.

2.- Immediate suspension of the policy of distribution of fiscal lands and properties with authorization for burning.

3.- Total elimination of “incendiary laws”.

4.- Reversion of lands for medium and large properties, where illegal clearing and unauthorized burning have been recorded.

5.- Immediate and effective assistance, from the national and departmental governments, to all municipalities and communities.

6.- Execution of Forest Recovery Plans in all areas affected by forest fires.

7.- Prohibition of authorizations for further transgenic events.

This Wednesday, 46 active fires were reported in the department of Santa Cruz. Likewise, it was learned that Beni and Pando are also experiencing very bad and extremely bad Air Quality Indices, due to the pollution produced by forest fires.