Indigenous inclusion for informed disaster risk reduction in Bolivia

Indigenous people make up almost half (48%) of Bolivia's population. However, despite their significant presence, Indigenous people are not always represented in decision-making spaces, particularly in relation to risk management, and are not always reached by early warning systems.

Included within the 36 Indigenous nations recognized in Bolivia, are the Tacana indigenous territory in the Amazon area, and the Aymara people predominant in the high Andean areas. Both Indigenous groups possess invaluable traditional knowledge for disaster risk reduction, bioindicators, and other adaptation strategies that must be revalued as well as articulated within official risk management mechanisms and regulations.

Practical Action, together with CLEAR Global and the University of Edinburgh, will utilise a participative research-action process to integrate Indigenous knowledge into formal plans and procedures to support comprehensive and sustainable disaster risk management, according to each population context. 

The project will seek to improve how the information is presented, in a manner that is easily understandable, actionable, and more equitable between stakeholders. This will increase Indigenous’ access to early warning systems, as well as their role in shaping policy, decision- making, planning and risk management. Language will have a special focus, with analysis of linguistic contexts and the generation of a glossary of essential terms for risk management.

The integration of Indigenous knowledge into formal plans and procedures, coupled with increased participation and empowerment, will significantly enhance the resilience of these Tacana and Aymara Indigenous communities.

By fostering proper communication and inclusive decision-making, and improving access to essential risk information, Indigenous people will be better equipped to navigate and respond to natural hazards. Making this information accessible in their own language can help to replicate these improvements in other places. 

The insights provided by the World Risk Poll give us many clues about the state of resilience in these communities. Considering all dimensions (individual, household, community and societal) we can have a more holistic approach, aiming to achieve more systemic and sustainable change.

the Poll data can also be used to inform and prioritise policies and interventions. Specifically, we will work around early warning systems and making sure access to this data is effective and actionable, leaving no one behind.    

At Practical Action we are always looking for alliances, both local, national, and international. We are currently connecting ourselves with institutions in charge of managing the hydrographic basin and other local educational institutions in the project area.

We believe that the learning that can be provided from Indigenous ancestral knowledge is vital to strengthening risk management and adaptation mechanisms to climate change. Any institution or initiative interested in this Indigenous management is welcome to contact us, as well as any philanthropic institution that can contribute funds.

To get in touch with the project team, visit latam.practicalaction.org.