IDEAS For Us Bolivia emerged in 2023 as a Latin American branch. Nestled within the captivating landscapes of the altiplano, traversing through valleys, and extending to the lush eastern plains and the Amazon, Bolivia stands as one of the top 10 countries worldwide in terms of remarkable biodiversity. It also boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry woven by diverse ethnic groups such as the Aymara, Quechua, Guaraní, and others. However, amidst this natural and cultural splendor, Bolivia grapples with a range of pressing socio-environmental challenges, including frost, floods, droughts, pollution, food insecurity, and alarmingly high rates of deforestation.
To address these urgent issues, the newly established branch of IDEAS For Us will embark on a transformative journey, placing particular emphasis on urban agriculture, reforestation, and climate change adaptation measures. Guided by a holistic approach to solutions, our initiatives will draw inspiration from nature itself. By fostering resilient ecosystems and empowering local communities, we aim to forge a sustainable path forward, harmonizing the needs of both people and the environment in Bolivia.
To learn more about how you can actively engage in the IDEAS Bolivia Eco-Action Projects, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated branch manager, Joaquin Chila, at joaquin.chila@ideasforus.org. He will gladly provide you with detailed information and guide you through the process of getting involved.
IDEAS For Us Bolivia is under the exceptional leadership of Joaquin Chila, an ardent environmental engineer and educator. Joaquin’s journey began as a forest firefighter during his formative years, igniting a deep-rooted passion for protecting and preserving natural landscapes. Today, he channels his expertise and dedication towards empowering communities to make significant strides in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through impactful environmental action and education
“Sacha” means tree in the Quechua culture
The diverse ecosystems of the country have unfortunately suffered significant deforestation caused by various factors. These include the expansion of agriculture, logging activities, the illegal trade of timber, and the development of infrastructure projects. These drivers of deforestation have had a profound impact on Bolivia’s natural landscapes, leading to the loss of valuable forest cover and the degradation of vital habitats. Efforts to address this issue are crucial to preserve the country’s rich biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of its ecosystems.
Goal: Our goal is to reforest 7,000 fruit and native trees by 2030, encompassing a multifaceted approach with far-reaching benefits. By undertaking this reforestation initiative, we aim to mitigate the impact of frost on crops, enhance air quality, regenerate habitats, foster local economies through the sale of fresh fruit, stabilize soil conditions, regulate the water cycle, and create shaded areas for children in schools.
Objective A: Plant 1,500 fruit and native trees by 2025.
Objective B: Provide education to 300 people on tree planting and knowledge on choosing what native and fruit trees will thrive in certain locations by 2025.
Objective C: Involve 150 volunteers in environmental action supporting reforestation by 2025.
Objective D: Rescue the knowledge of agroforestry in 3 communities and disseminate it through social media and in reforestation events by 2025.
“Yapuchaña” means to grow food in the Aymara culture
Food security in Bolivia is profoundly influenced by the climate crisis and socio-economic factors. The impact of these intertwined challenges has resulted in significant ramifications for the population, with approximately 16% of Bolivians, equivalent to 2 million individuals, experiencing hunger and malnutrition. By addressing the climate crisis and socio-economic factors in a coordinated manner, Bolivia can make significant strides in reducing hunger and malnutrition ensuring a more secure and sustainable food future for its population
Goal: Our goal is to implement and educate on the establishment of at least 15 urban gardens in schools and other open spaces by 2030. This initiative aims to combat malnutrition rates and address food shortages by promoting local food production and enhancing access to nutritious foods
Objective A: Install 5 urban gardens by 2025
Objective B: Train 100 people in organic urban agriculture by 2025
Objective C: Produce in the installed urban gardens at least 10 different varieties of plants, including medicinal and pollinating ones by 2025.
“Ama” means rain in the Guarani culture
The lack of access to water in school bathrooms, insufficient drinking water, and the absence of irrigation for food gardens pose significant challenges for many schools. Additionally, the damage caused by flooding has further compounded these issues, leading to a range of adverse consequences such as disease outbreaks, the spread of dengue mosquitoes, deterioration of gardens, difficulties for students in attending school, and even the cancellation of classes.
Goal: Our goal is to install 5 rainwater harvesting systems and execute 5 infrastructure improvement projects by 2030, aimed at mitigating the effects of flooding and water scarcity in schools. These initiatives will contribute to creating a more resilient and sustainable learning environment for students
Objective A: Build rainwater harvesting systems in 2 schools by 2025.
Objective B: Implement flooding prevention systems in 2 schools by 2025.
Objective C: Install 2 drip irrigation systems in schools for urban garden irrigation by 2025.
Objective D: Train 30 school staff members and 50 students about rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation and flooding prevention systems operation and maintenance.
IDEAS For Us Bolivia plays a pivotal role in empowering communities to transform their ideas into tangible environmental action projects. By doing so, it aims to enhance their quality of life, socioeconomic condition, and ultimately improve the environmental quality of the region.
By catalyzing these environmental action projects, IDEAS For Us Bolivia contributes to building resilient and sustainable communities. It recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental factors, and seeks to foster holistic development that benefits both people and the planet. Through its dedication to supporting community-driven initiatives, IDEAS For Us Bolivia acts as a catalyst for positive change, creating a pathway towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Reforestation in a “Quechua” indigenous community: 250 gold orange trees + 250 lemon trees were planted inside the houses of 35 rural families of the “Rincón Niagara” town, Chuquisaca department. Along with the trees, they were given organic fertilizer and hydrogel, which is a polymer that helps improve water retention in plants, so that the trees can grow in the dry season. The trees will help improve the economy and nutrition of the locals, whose main economic source is agriculture.
A community medicinal garden was built in the city of La Paz at an altitude above the sea of 11,975 feet! The garden has facilitated a set of workshops that helps the community learn the importance of medicinal plants and how to use them to aide sick people. The following workshops are going to be held throughout June, July, and August 2023
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