Bolivia: moving towards Indigenous led conservation

Written on 25 October 2023. Posted in News

BY LILIAN PAINTER, ZULEMA LEHM, OSCAR LOAYZA AND ROBERT WALLACE FOR DEBATES INDÍGENAS

The experience of the Wildlife Conservation Society in Bolivia, biodiversity conservation has evolved from a focus on wildlife protection to collaborative alliances with Indigenous communities. What at the beginning was an isolated conservation effort, has been transformed into an essential cooperation, where conservation and Indigenous Territorial Management converge in the Madidi Landscape.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) initiated their commitment to the Madidi Landscape more than two decades ago. Initial efforts were in line with the conventional conservation model: protect vital ecosystems and endangered species, while seeking a benefit for Indigenous communities. However, a change in basic assumptions happened almost immediately. The leadership of the Tacana people explained to the WCS that territorial security was necessary for any wildlife management and conservation. How could the Tacana begin a subsistence hunting management and monitoring program without legal security over their ancestral territories?

The realization that Indigenous Peoples have been guardians of the lands where Madidi National Park for is located for generations inspired a new approach. Collaboration with Indigenous communities would not only strengthen conservation efforts but also empower Indigenous peoples to ensure the protection of their ancestral territories and manage these territories in a sustainable manner. The building of an alliance began, in which conservation was not for the people, but with them. We have called this phase "Conservation with Indigenous Peoples".

This involved channeling funding to Indigenous organizations under a system of accountability that involves both the communities and the WCS in accordance with agreed-upon work plans. Mixed teams were formed between WCS technicians, Indigenous leaders and local technicians, who aimed to develop methodologies for collaborating with the communities and drafting joint work plans. This promoted the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and ensured the transfer of new knowledge to the Tacana communities. More importantly, it facilitated the connection between territorial (supra-communal) leaders and their community bases, strengthening the organic systems within the framework of their own organic structures and processes.

More than 1,000 birds have been recorded in the Madidi National Park. Blue- and-yellow Macaw (Ara Ararauna). Photo: Robert Wallace

Territorial management as a process of self-determination

A significant milestone of the synergy between the WCS and the Tacana communities was the participatory development of Indigenous Life Plans on more than 1.8 million hectares of ancestral territories. These plans not only ensure the preservation of ecosystems, but also allow communities to manage their lands according to their own values, potentials and needs. The principles of environmental, social, economic, cultural and political sustainability are the foundations on which these communities build their future.

However, the evolution of this process not only involved collaboration between the WCS and the Tacana, Tsimane', Lecos, Mosetene, Puquina and Uchupiamonas Indigenous Peoples. The Indigenous communities, empowered and aware of their role in conservation, have also taken an active role. The management of their territories has become an act of self-determination: decisions are made by consensus and their technical capacity has been strengthened.

As a result of the systematization of the joint experience and lessons learned, a toolbox was developed to be used through a multimedia and interactive application. The application has been designed to facilitate participation and generate consensus among all its participants. The objective is to contribute to the strengthening of their territorial management capacities through support tools in 10 processes: consolidation of Indigenous rights; strengthening of organizational systems; territorial management planning; territorial zoning; regulation of the use of natural resources; analysis of nature- based production chains with a gender focus; territorial control and surveillance; administration; sustainable financing; and social, economic, cultural and environmental monitoring.

As we look to the future, conservation is no longer an externally imposed task, but a shared responsibility. Progressive alliances have evolved towards the ownership of conservation by Indigenous territorial organizations or, as we call it, "Conservation by Indigenous Peoples". Sustainable natural resource management, cultural recovery, territorial defense and autonomous decision-making are the foundations on which Indigenous Peoples are building their own path to a resilient future.

Indigenous Life Plans are managed according to the values of the communities. Photo: Robert Wallace

A new approach for a sustainable future

This evolution shows us that genuine collaboration between conservation organizations and Indigenous Peoples can be a transformative force. From conservation for protection purposes to conservation as an integral part of the culture and well-being of communities. The history of the Greater Madidi Landscape Conservation Program teaches us that the road to a sustainable future is paved with partnerships, empowerment and respect for Indigenous rights and ancestral knowledge.

The strength of this approach is due to two main elements. The first element is related to the ancestral knowledge from the historical occupation of more than 12,000 years, which represents an enormous potential for forest management with knowledge of both species and agrobiodiversity. The second has to do with the connectivity between Indigenous territories and protected areas that maintain blocks of terrestrial ecosystems in a good state of conservation and represent the best response to the triple crisis of biodiversity loss: mitigation of climate change, adaptation through connectivity corridors and prevention of future pandemics due to the degradation of natural ecosystems. Protected areas adjacent to Indigenous territories have a role as a "source" of wildlife for subsistence hunting.

This connectivity between protected areas and Indigenous territories in the Andean Amazon region is key to the flow of sediment and nutrients, and the natural pulse that requires at least 80% native vegetation cover in the floodplains. On this basis, the Wildlife Conservation Society is now working to replicate this approach with other Indigenous Peoples in the Department of Beni and, in the case of the Madidi Landscape, to establish a sustainable financing mechanism for Indigenous territorial management.

Conservation with Indigenous Peoples enables empowerment and respect for Indigenous rights. Photo: Robert Wallace

In search of financial autonomy

A collaborative effort, led by the Center of Indigenous Peoples of La Paz (CPILAP - Central de Pueblos Indígenas de La Paz), has brought to light a roadmap towards financial autonomy for the Indigenous territories in the Madidi Landscape. This path includes the design of a novel financing mechanism aimed at strengthening Indigenous territorial management. The creation of this mechanism was collective and representative and was firmly grounded in the committed work of Indigenous communities and organizations, united for the purpose of devising a financial mechanism that embraces the unique needs of territorial management.

The creation of this mechanism is in line with the demand for more direct funding channels controlled by Indigenous Peoples. However, this is not a new path, but a path they have been committed to for years where they have been weaving this path that guarantees the transparency and legitimacy of such mechanisms. This experience ensures that this approach does not repeat mistakes that in the past resulted in the failure of mechanisms which were aimed at supporting Indigenous Peoples but failed due to the lack of consideration of structural aspects related to fund management. This process of collective creation began with the goal of designing a financial mechanism to support the activities outlined in the Life Plans of the Indigenous Territories. These plans, which embody the values and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples, served as the basis for determining their specific financial needs.

The governance and operational framework of the financing mechanism is comprised of historical leaders appointed in Indigenous Assemblies. The governing body, responsible for approving investment plans and overseeing the system, reflects the voice and direction of the communities. The management of funds is carried out thanks to the existing administrative capacities that have been developed with the support of the program. On the other hand, the donors or adherent trustees contribute with the objective of establishing an autonomous patrimony in perpetuity that generates returns capable of covering the planned expenses and investments. Although the final details are still being defined, it is expected that a portion of the funds will cover operating costs, while the remainder will be invested to ensure long-term growth.

Archaeological remains found in the National Park. Photo: Omar Torrico

The objective is to conserve the natural heritage of the Madidi Landscape

The funding obtained will be used for infrastructure, equipment and productive projects focused on the sustainable use of natural resources. An essential step towards the realization of long-term objectives. The current process is in the stage of presentation to donors, with a final evaluation of the managing entity and the constitution of the autonomous patrimony in process. The implications of this mechanism not only transcend the local context, but also align with other international direct access and sustainability efforts.

In summary, this funding mechanism highlights the convergence of visions and efforts towards more autonomous and sustainable land management. At the same time, it represents the culmination of years of work and union between Indigenous organizations and the Wildlife Conservation Society, charting an innovative path to ensure a future that respects Indigenous rights, strengthens governance, improves livelihoods, promotes cultural diversity and conserves the valuable natural heritage of the Madidi Landscape.

Lilian Painter, Zulema Lehm, Oscar Loayza and Robert Wallace are part of the Bolivia Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

Tags: Indigenous Debates