Bolivia
Connecting People for Joint Advocacy
In the heart of Latin America lies Bolivia, a country rich in biodiversity and cultural diversity. It is one of the 15 most megadiverse countries in the world. The Gran Chaco region is South America’s largest and most biodiverse forest system after the Amazon. It is home to many different ecosystems and is key to the planet’s balance. Yet in recent years, factors such as high deforestation rates caused mainly by monoculture, cattle ranching and dramatic forest fires have revealed its fragility. Floods and droughts have affected the Chaco region, impacting the productive systems in the area and people’s livelihoods, destroying people’s homes and putting many families’ well-being at risk.
Coordinated by Fundación Avina, SouthSouthNorth and WWF Bolivia, the VCA programme in Bolivia works to build coalitions to bring together rural and urban civil society with a focus on Indigenous people, women and youth to amplify their voices and influence key policy issues related to climate change.
Our Impacts in Bolivia
17
Subcontracted Partners
29
Local Climate Solutions Supported
230K
People Impacted by Supported Climate Solutions
14
Policies Influenced
The Bolivia Country Story
In Bolivia, VCA exemplifies how different generations can effectively collaborate and network to influence society and public actors in protecting nature, their territories, exercising their rights, ensuring water security, and combating climate change. Nevertheless, these efforts often clash with the interests of those involved in mining, agriculture, livestock, and other extractive industries, which contribute to deforestation, fires, and the exacerbation of climate change.
The story of VCA Bolivia highlights the transformative power of inclusive and integrated climate governance management. By empowering traditionally marginalised voices and fostering collaboration, it offers a model for sustainable climate action that is locally relevant.
Unified by Common Goals
In the PACHA landscape, where the Pantanal, the Chiquitania and the Chaco converge and where VCA has been operating, civil society groups have become key local actors, acting as innovative leaders, facilitators, and advocates for local climate solutions and nature-based solutions. More than 500 young people have found opportunities to create their agendas and strengthen their skills, resulting in the emergence and strengthening of new leaders, as well as new and unusual intergenerational partnerships. Park rangers have utilised digital tools to enhance the protection of their territories. Additionally, over 800 women and community members have found platforms to voice their proposals. More than 150 Indigenous journalists have emerged, gaining the attention of UNESCO, with their voices representing over 10 languages.
Striving for Change with our Local Partners
Collaboration with local partners proved essential in enhancing ownership, building capability, and sustaining climate action. By fostering partnerships with local communities and civil society groups, VCA Bolivia amplified the marginalised voices and strengthened capabilities to advocate for change.
The Bolivia Project Profile publication highlights various innovative, locally-driven climate action initiatives implemented by our partners in Bolivia.
