Local Indigenous Management in
Bolivia (1999-2000)
With a population of 6.7 million, Bolivia has the highest percentage of indigenous peoples in South America. Moreover, it is the most mountaineous and poorest country in this region. In recent years, the indigenous people of Bolivia have achieved a high level of political and legal acceptance, as indicated by the high number of legislative measures created to recognize their individual and collective rights. Despite the fact that there is a growing number of indigenous representatives at strategic positions in government and elsewhere, there is a need to put indigenous rights into practice, particularly at the local level. These legislative advances have not yet succeeded in alleviating the poor economic and social conditions of the majority of the indigenous people. Indeed, the extreme poverty map coincides with the indigenous peoples map, regardless of their great natural and cultural wealth. The UNESCO-DANIDA Programme seeks to contribute to the observance of human rights and to the participation of indigenous and original peoples in Bolivia.
Launched in August 1999, the aim of this project entitled "Local Indigenous Management" is to build the capacity of indigenous peoples to participate in Bolivian democracy, to enforce ther rights and to identify, create and set up micro-projects that are culturally and environmentally suitable. The beneficiaires are indigenous leaders, women and young people .The project consists of workshops on topics such as human rights and indigenous rights, management of public affairs etc. Currently the project is being carried out in three main geopgraphic and ethnic areas, namely the Amazon region, the Eastern Chaqueno region and the Highlands of Bolivia. Key to this project is the development of a training model that may be used in other regions of Bolivia.
PartnersThis pilot- project is carried out in collaboration with the Vice Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (VAIPO) in Bolivia. DANIDA funds this project and UNESCO provides technical and intellectual assistance.
Activities72 indigenous representatives from 6 municipalities, indigenous organizations and communities selected according to age and gender criteria, partake in workshops on human rights and indigenous rights, democracy and citizens participation, as well as management of public affairs.
Furthermore, Citizens Information and Service Centres will be created for the use of the population at the project sites. These centres should faciltate access to and exchange of information, among others human rights, indigenous issues, social issues etc.
Following these activities, training will be carried out on the identification and formulation of culturally and environmentally suitable microprojects "with (indigenous) identity" with a view to obtaining financial and other support for their implementation.
All activities take place at the local level, so that persons who live in relatively isolated communities may also participate.
Expected ImpactsIt is expected that the 72 beneficiaires and their communities will become aware of their rights and use their knowledge of public abministration and democratic principles. The participants - as informed citizens- are thus given the opportunity to play an active role in society. It is envisaged that they generate their own economic and social development "with (indigenous) identity" through the design of micro-projects and that the Citizens Information and Service Centres provide a tool to support this process.
ExperienceThe first training activities will be launched in the Spring of 2000.
This page was modified on 22/03/00