October 18, 2024, 10:04 PM
October 18, 2024, 10:04 PM
The Authority for Supervision and Social Control of Forests and Land (ABT) rejected the complaints of alleged inaction regarding illegal clearings in the areas of forest management of the company Cimal – Marabol, located in the municipality of San Miguel de Velasco, and announced that the encroachers will be sanctioned.
The general director of Forest and Land Management of the ABT, Franz Valdez, said: “Since 2014, we have worked constantly and together with the company Cimal – Marabol to confront encroachments and illegal clearings. Multiple operations and control actions have been carried out to arrest those responsible and guarantee the protection of the area.”
The Special Transitional Authorization (ATE) of Cimal – Marabol, which dates back to 1997, covers a total area of 75,400 hectares, of which 52,296 hectares are under operational plans forest annuals (POAs).
Valdez added that the ABT has carried out six mobile control operations in 2023 and 2024, which have allowed the identification of illegal clearingswhich were corroborated by satellite images.
“We have acted at all times, and in coordination with the Armed Forces and the National Police, to carry out surprise operations with the objective of capturing the supposedly overwhelmings in flagrante delicto,” he said.
Despite logistical difficulties, such as blockades imposed by community members that prevented access to the affected areas, the ABT has collected compelling evidence of illegal clearings.
Between 2023 and 2024, 253.1 hectares illegally cleared have been identifiedof which 25.86 hectares correspond to 2023 and 227 hectares to 2024. Likewise, no major burns or fires were identified in the area, only five heat sources without burning scars.
Valdez explained that, even if you dismantle them have been carried out by outside third parties To the company, the actions of the ABT have been continuous and effective, filing criminal complaints and ensuring the legal security of the areas under forest management.
“There has been no inaction on the part of the ABT, we have been present and working tirelessly to protect our forest areas. We will continue to act firmly and responsibly to guarantee the legal and sustainable management of our resources,” he emphasized.
Valdez indicated that the ABT reaffirms its commitment to continue ensuring the protection of Bolivia’s forests, ccoordinating with communities, companies and authorities to stop any illegal activity that puts the country’s natural resources at risk.
