Deforestation is Bolivia's major ecological problem. Land clearances are occurring at the record rate of 200,000 hectares a year. This is one of the world's highest annual depletion rates. Much of the cleared land is turned over to cattle ranching or the growing of coca. The overuse of pesticides and fertilizers in the coca business is also a concern. The industry is effectively uncontrolled and rivers in Amazonia have high pollution levels.
Pollution problems are compounded by waste chemicals used in minerals industries. Mercury, used in the extraction of silver, has been found in dangerous quantities in river systems.
