“We have been observing that some NGOs, mainly, the (Fundación) Tierra are generating unofficial information,” said the minister, who stated that the institution confuses the population, exaggerates the figures, and that the content is not valid for the government.

Lisperguer indicated in declarations to the Bolivia TV state channel that the method of calculation and the mechanisms used by the institution are unknown, and reiterated that the only body authorized to give official information is the National Monitoring Center that works with the Forest Information and Monitoring System (SIMB) and uses satellite, geographic information and field surveys. “The only one that can provide official information on the affected surface is the forest monitoring system called SIMB, which depends on the Ministry of Environment and Water.”

The functionary described the foundation as “irresponsible” for confusing the citizens and magnifying the disaster left by these forest fires. “We do not know if this foundation really has access, for example, to this type of information, and on the other hand we do not believe that this foundation can do the verification on the ground, much less use aircraft to do the corroboration by air,” he said.

Lisperguer recalled that in 2019, when there was a similar situation, the foundation spread information on the burnt hectares, also with the aim of generating wear and tear on the Government of then-President Evo Morales, thence seeking to show an alleged governmental inefficiency, and now it seems to have the same purpose.

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