By Marco Mendoza, La Razon:

The complaint targets Chinese companies allegedly supported by some local community members and leaders

Heavy machinery began work at Cerro Silla Cunca/ABOLAC

The Bolivian Association of Park Rangers and Conservation Agents (ABOLAC) has publicly denounced the destruction, pollution, and environmental damage occurring in Madidi National Park, particularly on the slopes and summit of Silla Cunca Mountain, along the banks of the Tiuchi River.

The association points to Chinese companies allegedly operating in “complicity with some community members and leaders from the Virgen del Rosario area,” in the municipality of Apolo, Franz Tamayo Province, La Paz Department.

“Chinese companies have been carrying out a form of total devastation with impunity, without any environmental license or authorization from SERNAP, amid the indifference of government authorities and institutions that should be supporting the efforts undertaken by park rangers,” the association stated in a statement published on social media.

The organization demands an end to the impunity, abuses, and violations affecting one of the world’s most biodiverse protected areas.

“Bolivia can no longer continue looking the other way, nor can the responsible institutions and authorities blatantly neglect their duties and abandon park rangers, who have been completely overwhelmed in this area,” the statement added.

ABOLAC is calling for intervention at all illegal mining sites within Madidi National Park. Otherwise, the association warns that it will initiate legal proceedings against government institutions and authorities for negligence, complicity, and covering up illegal activities.

On Friday, the entry of heavy machinery into the headwaters of the Tiuchi River was also reported. According to the complaint, the machinery’s entry allegedly had the approval of community leaders and residents from the Santa Rosa area, affiliated with the Tupac Katari United Federation of Peasant Workers of Franz Tamayo Province.

According to information obtained, five dump trucks entered the area, followed at night by another dump truck and a front-end loader. Two additional excavators with rotating platforms were also reported, not counting two other excavators that had already entered the area.