SUGAR REFINERY

In the 1970’s, when military governments were the norm and funds were made readily available to them, many schemes were developed by those in power to access this money and enrich themselves.

At a time when the price of sugar dropped in the world market because of excessive production (the result of the United States incentive to encourage countries to enter into this industry in order to replace the sugar previously provided by Cuba), the Bolivian government claimed that they were going to establish a sugar refinery in San Buenaventura, one of the most bio-diverse places on earth.

Even though the scheme was unviable, it was greatly publicized and people were encouraged to migrate to the area. Millions of dollars were paid to burn this primary forest and thousands of hectares were destroyed, animals included. This area has become very impoverished grassland, unable to recover, as the soils are almost sterile.

Today there are economic interest groups that intend to revive this scheme.