Geoecology and biodiversity — Problems and perspectives for the management of the natural resources of Bolivia’s forest and savanna ecosystems

Abstract

A brief review of geoecology, biodiversity and biogeography is given, as well as a discussion of the problems and options for the natural resource management of Bolivia's forests and savannas. Soil conditions and hydrology in combination with regional geology are strong determinants for biogeography and diversity. Bolivia is not located in the heart of any of the main neotropical biotas. The general high biodiversity of Amazonian ecosystems in juxtaposition with other very different floras and faunas is the reason for Bolivia's high diversity. In many regions of Bolivia, low soil fertility, floods and geomorphology make it difficult to improve land utilization, but the chances are good for seeing management of forests and savannas implemented. In recent years, the Bolivian government has opened up to reform and is creating the foundation necessary for natural resource management. The low human population-forest and savanna ratio meets the prerequisites for the management of natural ecosystems. The past policy of 'free' land has affected ecologically sensible planning up to the present, with timber logging, colonization and agro-business accelerating the exploitation of extant areas. However, options for the sustainable management of the country's forests are available which also take account of the various constraints and restrictions. It is suggested that Bolivia's savannas have the best prospects for implementing wildlife management programmes based on a few economically promising species in the near future.