Park rangers denounce retaliation: Marcos Uzquiano is dismissed after warning about illegal mining | Guardaparques denuncian represalias: Marcos Uzquiano es despedido tras alertar sobre minería ilegal

By Brujula Digital, El Dia:

Uzquiano, known for his fight in defense of the environment, expressed his disapproval on social media.

Marcos Uzquiano is removed from his position.

The government has dismissed Marcos Uzquiano, head of Protection for the Beni Biological Station and director of the Bolivian Park Rangers Association, along with Guido García Carballo, director of the Kaa Iya del Gran Chaco Integrated Natural Management Area (ANMI). Both dismissals follow serious allegations they made regarding illegal mining activities in protected areas.

Uzquiano, known for his fight in defense of the environment, expressed his rejection on social media: “They may take away my position, but never the spirit of fighting for and defending our protected areas. This is the typical cowardly behavior with which the most disastrous Executive Directorate in SERNAP’s history, led by Johnson Jiménez Cobo, seeks to silence park rangers’ voices.

Uzquiano’s dismissal was formalized through a memorandum signed by the Ministry of Environment and Water, dated December 30, 2024, which states that December 31 will be his last working day. He is also required to submit reports, documentation, and assigned assets in compliance with current regulations.

This dismissal comes after controversial episodes. In March 2023, Uzquiano reported an attempted entry of heavy machinery into Madidi National Park, which led to legal proceedings against him initiated by Ramiro Cuevas Echave, former leader of the Federation of Gold Mining Cooperatives of Northern La Paz (Fecoman).

Cuevas accused Uzquiano and park ranger Raúl Santa Cruz of defamation and slander. However, in February of this year, both were acquitted after the evidence presented by the accuser was deemed insufficient.

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