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How A Forestry Operation in Bolivia Became Sustainable

Just two decades ago, Bolivia’s forests faced an onslaught of illegal logging, over-harvesting, and conversion to agriculture. But the introduction of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification in the 1980s has had a positive impact on Bolivia’s forestry sector, and the workers, wildlife, and local communities that depend on it.

The Angel Sandoval concession is one of the first and largest businesses in Bolivia to become FSC-certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Located in Bolivia’s eastern lowlands, the concession covers an area the size of Rhode Island and its forests provide habitat to tapirs, giant otters, and pumas.

Burning Peruvian forest - photo by Mohsin Kazmi

Forests are falling at an alarming rate.

Each minute, 85 acres are destroyed.