Angel Sandoval Concession: Steward of Bolivia’s Forests

In celebration of the International Year of Forests, we are highlighting those individuals, communities and businesses actively safeguarding the lungs of the planet.

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, or FSC, certification, in the 1990s has had a positive impact on Bolivia’s forestry sector, and the workers, wildlife and local communities that depend on it.

Take the Angel Sandoval concession, 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, otters and pumas.

More Stewards of the Forest

Max Gunther: Steward of the Peruvian Amazon

February:
Max Gunther

 T. R. Shankar Raman and Divya Mudappa: Stewards of India's Western Ghats

March: Ramman and Mudappa

 Angel Sandoval Concession: Steward of Bolivia's Forests

April: Angel Sandoval Concession

 Pauline Nantongo: Steward of Forests in Southwestern Uganda

May: Pauline Nantongo

 Georges and Lili Duriaux-Chavarría: Stewards of El Jaguar Private Wildlife Reserve in Nicaragua

June: Georges and Lili Duriaux

 Federico Hechenleitner: Steward of Monte Alto in Chile

July: Monte Alto
Francisco Kennedy Souza: Steward of Western Amazonia

August: Francisco Kennedy Souza

 Osmar Monzon: Steward of the Maya Forest

September: Osmar Monzón

Ancient civilizations used the latex sap from rubber trees to make balls, waterproof clothes and shoes.

Spotlight on Trees

Ancient civilizations used the latex sap from rubber trees to make balls, waterproof clothes and shoes.
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