Enviro News Asia, Tucabaca — Bolivia has achieved a significant milestone in sustainable forest management by securing the first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for protected areas in Latin America, covering more than 260,000 hectares of forest in the Tucabaca region.
Located in the department of Santa Cruz, Tucabaca plays a critical role in maintaining environmental stability by storing over 12 million tonnes of carbon, regulating dozens of rivers and streams, and preserving a rich ecosystem that hosts more than 1,100 species of flora and fauna.
The certification ensures that the forest is managed sustainably while protecting the cultural heritage and livelihoods of Indigenous communities, particularly the Chiquitano people. Local authorities emphasized that the recognition reflects long-term efforts to balance conservation and development.
Governor Luis Fernando Camacho described the achievement as a model of sustainable development, while Vice Minister Jorge Ávila highlighted its global importance in addressing deforestation and climate change.
The initiative was made possible through collaboration between the Departmental Government of Santa Cruz, the Municipal Government of Roboré, local communities, and organizations such as Fundación Amigos de la Naturaleza and Forest Stewardship Council.
With more than 94 percent natural forest cover, Tucabaca contributes significantly to climate resilience, water security, and biodiversity conservation. The certification also positions Bolivia as a regional leader in sustainable forest governance and sets a precedent for other countries in Latin America. (*)
