Forestry & Industry Development Programme in Bolivia  (FIBOL)

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Bolivia's Forest Resources

Bolivia is a country with vast forest resources, covering 52 million hectares of its territory, which is almost half of the country. Its forests comprise different ecosystems ranging from evergreen moist forests to deciduous dry forests. About 15 million hectares of forests are protected in reserves and national parks. Some 20 million hectares are considered to be production forests - timberland. Of these 5,5 million hectares are assigned to private forest companies as concessions that are being sustainably managed under forest management plans. Another few million hectares of private timberland, community forests and concessions to local forest associations are currently operating under forest management plans. The map below shows the location of the forest concessions in Bolivia.

The forests of Bolivia are diverse, hosting a vast number of tree species. Traditionally, only a few species were considered commercial (mahogany, cedar and oak) but today a group of 20-30 different species are considered to be commercial or potentially commercial. The possible harvest of commercial wood ranges from 3-5 m³ per hectare in the southeastern drier areas to 25-30 m³ per hectare in the more humid areas in the north of Bolivia. 

It is estimated that from the forest concessions only, some 2.5 million m³ could be harvested annually on a sustainable basis. From private forests, communities etc. another 1 - 1.5 million m³ could be harvested. This should be compared to the current annual harvest of about 500.000 m³.

Protected areas...

Deforestation... (se Kaminowitz) orsaker, mm

Non-timber forest products (Brazil nut, palm heart, rubber...)