| Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC November 17, 2003 2003 Coca Cultivation Estimates for Bolivia and Peru
The United States Government has completed the 2003 annual estimates of coca cultivation in Peru and Bolivia. The estimates -- produced with survey-sampling techniques and satellite imagery -- indicate that overall coca cultivation levels continue to be lower for Peru and Bolivia than in the past - between 50,000 and 60,000 hectares (or 123,500 and 148,200 acres), compared to 163,900 hectares (406,470 acres) in 1995. Even with sustained eradication efforts in Colombia there has not been an increase in cultivation in the other two major coca cultivation countries. In Peru, survey figures show a net 15% decrease in coca cultivation in 2003. Overall, net coca cultivation dropped from 36,000 hectares in 2002 to 31,150 hectares in 2003. Nevertheless, cultivation in the Apurimac-Ene and Monzon valleys -- traditional growing areas where plantation-style plots can be found -- remained steady. These areas represent 67% of the illicit coca produced in Peru. In Bolivia, there was an overall increase of over 4,000 hectares (10,900 acres) to 28,450 hectares (70,300 acres) of coca cultivation, or 17% above 2002’s estimate. While cultivation in the Chapare region, the historic illicit coca cultivation zone, fell by 15%, cultivation in the Yungas, grew by 26%. This is the challenge that faces Bolivia, as coca in excess of what is needed for the legal, traditional market ends up feeding the illegal cocaine market. It is important to note that eradication is only part of our bilateral counter-drug strategy in Peru and Bolivia. Together we are making major progress in both the interdiction of drugs and providing effective alternative development. We will continue to work with the governments of Bolivia and Peru on the continued challenges faced to fight the production and flow of drugs. 2003/1178 |
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