Bolivia's Presidential Election Sparks Doubts Among Environmental Activists Regarding Progress

Bolivia's upcoming presidential election on October 19 raises concerns among Indigenous and environmental leaders about the candidates' commitment to addressing deforestation and pollution in the Amazon. With a history of ignored commitments, activists fear little change will come from either candidate.

Bolivia's upcoming presidential election signifies a potential shift from nearly two decades of socialist governance. However, Indigenous and environmental leaders remain sceptical about its impact on deforestation, fires, or pollution in the Amazon. The October 19 runoff features centrist Sen. Rodrigo Paz against right-wing former president Jorge "Tuto" Quiroga. Both candidates promise change but are rooted in an economic model that critics argue has long harmed the environment in one of South America's most biodiverse nations.

The Amazon, spanning nine countries, plays a vital role in carbon absorption and climate regulation globally. Bolivia contains about 8% of this vast forest. Scientists warn that ongoing deforestation is pushing parts of the Amazon towards a tipping point where it could transform into savanna. Ruth Alipaz Cuqui, coordinator of the Indigenous alliance CONTIOCAP and a member of the Uchupiamona community, expressed concerns over the election choices, stating, "Agreements are signed, commitments are made, laws and decrees are passed, but in the territory there is absolutely nothing applied."

Environmental Concerns Amidst Political Promises

While environmental issues have not been central to the campaign, both candidates have outlined some proposals. Paz has suggested a USD 15 billion "green government" funded by carbon credits from projects like forest-planting to reduce emissions. He also plans tighter controls on agricultural burns and a crackdown on illegal gold mining. Quiroga's campaign told The Associated Press he would tighten controls on forest fires, promote sustainable agriculture, expand biofuel production, and encourage reforestation to curb high deforestation rates.

Quiroga aims to make Bolivia a leader in decarbonization, protect parks, restore fire-hit ecosystems, and expand agriculture "appropriately." Critics warn this stance could still spur deforestation. Nick Fromherz, a Bolivian-based adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland specializing in Latin American environmental law, noted both candidates have discussed fighting wildfires and managing the agricultural frontier but offered few solutions for less visible crises like mercury contamination from gold mining.

Impact of Economic Policies on Environment

Bolivia is among the fastest-deforesting countries in the Amazon basin. Forest loss surged in 2019 when Morales eased burning rules and legalized agricultural clearing, leading to massive wildfires that destroyed nearly a million hectares. The destruction persists as cattle ranching, soy farming, logging, and mining encroach deeper into Indigenous lands. In 2024, fires scorched over 10 million hectares—about 38,600 square miles—and Bolivia recorded the world's second-highest tropical primary forest loss after Brazil.

Evo Morales' socialist governments expanded exports of soy, beef, gas, and minerals to fund social programs while allying with agribusiness and ranching elites. This led to loosened land-clearing restrictions and promoted infrastructure projects that opened new frontiers in the Amazon. Vincent Vos, a Dutch-Bolivian researcher based in Beni's Amazonian department, highlighted overlapping crises faced by communities: "Santa Cruz has already lost 68 per cent of their water reserves& we've got 30 per cent less rainfall than a decade ago," he said.

Challenges for Indigenous Communities

Mercury used in gold mining contaminates rivers and fish—a dietary staple for Amazonian communities—leading to high mercury levels among people living along Bolivian rivers. Stasiek Czaplicki, a Bolivian environmental economist who studied forest policies, warned that policy direction and enforcement ability are crucial. He believes Quiroga "would be worst for the institutions that defend the environment," citing proposals to end collective Indigenous land titles and expand soy and cattle production as potential accelerators of deforestation.

For Vos, the gap between rhetoric and reality is evident in disappearing rivers and poisoned communities: "People are really suffering," he said. Alipaz echoed these sentiments: "What happens to us is that we are stripped of our territory, poisoned with smoke and mercury." She added that Indigenous peoples' lives have worsened over time: "We will continue defending...our very existence is at stake."

With inputs from PTI