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 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
Goal: Our goal is to reforest 2,000 tall fruit and native trees by 2030, encompassing a multifaceted approach with far-reaching benefits.
Objective A: Plant 250 fruit or native trees each year until 2030
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 2030.
Objective C: Involve 300 volunteers in environmental action supporting reforestation by 2030.
“Yapuchaña” means to grow food in the Aymara culture
Goal: Our goal is to implement and educate on the establishment of at least 100 family gardens and 5 greenhouses in schools, households or communities by 2030.
Objective A: Install each year 1 greenhouse in schools, foster homes or communities.
Objective B: Install 15 family garden beds each year accompanied by the growth of medicinal plants in urban or peri-urban families with training and monitoring.
Objective C: Train 100 people in organic agriculture by 2030..
“Akarapu’â” means development or to raise the head in the Guaraní language
Goal: Our goal is to empower 400 people by 2030, raise their voices, and give what they need to join the climate fight and the sustainable development movement.
Objective A: Support the work of 30 informal urban recyclers every year by giving them tools, equipment and training.
Objective B: Train 30 vulnerable people each year in the cultivation and use of medicinal plants by applying indigenous and ancestral knowledge combined with applied science.
Objective C: Support our IDEAS For Us – Bolivia team to expand environmental education by purchasing minor educational materials and equipment, as well as providing soft-hard skills training.
IDEAS 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 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 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 as an agroforestry option to improve the economy and nutrition of the locals, whose main economic source is agriculture.
A community medicinal plant garden was built in the city of La Paz at an altitude above the sea of 11,975 feet! Additionally, we facilitated 8 workshops that helped the community learn the importance of medicinal plants and how to use them to alleviate some symptoms. The workshops were held throughout May, June, July, and August 2023
A greenhouse was built in the Pantini School in the rural area of the La Paz municipality to improve the food security and life quality of students, teachers and parents. A wide variety of vegetables and medicinal plants were cultivated. Additionally, a drip irrigation system was implemented for water efficiency, a small vermicomposting system to take advantage of organic waste, and workshops were held to train teachers, students, parents, and young volunteers on organic farming.
Community HIVE workshop in La Paz municipality. We held the very first HIVE there, where we gathered different institutions, organizations, and neighbors to discuss the main environmental issues and possible solutions. We are now using that information to plan future projects.
