Bolivia wildfire threatens world's largest wetland

Wildfire damages irreplaceable ecosystem in Latin America. According to reports from environmental group Guyra Paraguay, a blaze that began nearly two weeks ago has continued to burn throughout a large area of the Otuquis Pantanal National Park. Located in southeastern Bolivia with borders that extend into Brazil and Paraguay, the million-hectare region, which is also the largest wetlands area in the world, has endured severe drought for some time that has also affected growers in nearby Paraguay. Experts fear that the wetlands' exceptionally diverse ecosystems, home to thousands of unique species, are being threatened by the spread of the flames, as is the region's major research center, the Three Giants Biological Station. Bolivian Santa Cruz department Governor Rubén Costas stated that a fire of this nature is very difficult to control. Meanwhile, Guyra Paraguay and other environmental groups are calling for enhanced protection of the wetlands, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that is vulnerable to climate change and human-generated activities such as livestock grazing.

We pray for the protection of all in the affected region and for the wildfire to soon be extinguished. May our efforts toward improved care of the environment aid in preserving such natural treasures as these for the benefit of all lives.

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Tags:

• wildfire
• Latin America
• environmental group
• environment
• Guyra Paraguay
• Paraguay
• Brazil
• blaze
• Bolivia
• Otuquis Pantanal National Park
• wetlands
• severe drought
• drought
• flames
• research center
• Governor Rubén Costas
• Rubén Costas
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• livestock
• climate change
• global warming