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Bolivia is rich in natural resources. However,
in the altiplano and highland valleys, where subsistence farming
is by far the most common activity, depletion of available resources
occurs at an alarming rate. This is due to a number of different
factors including erosion by wind and water, overuse of crop and
pasture lands, slash and burn farming techniques, and a loss of
biodiversity as populations spread to cover more land. Income generation,
health, and food security in these regions are dependant upon the
quality of existing natural resources. Improper use of these resources
and constant depletion is causing a progressive destruction of the
natural environment. The goal of FHI/Bolivia’s Natural Resource
Management Program is to promote technology transfer and conservation
practices that allow farmers to effectively increase productivity
and incomes, while protecting land and water resources for future
generations.
 Components
of the program:
(1)
Environmental Protection
(2) Creation of Conservation Areas on communal lands
(3) Land Protection and Reclamation.
Environmental
Education
To achieve effective community participation in community-based
NRM and conservation, FHI aims to:
- Capture existing knowledge and experience relevant to specific
project areas.
- Prepare community based NRM training curriculum and materials.
- Train OTB leadership and community NRM representatives to effectively
lead community-based NRM programs.
- Community education/training components of each technical sector
(agriculture, health, water and sanitation, etc.) will integrate
NRM in their training curriculums.
- Incorporate gender issues in planning.
Creation
of Conservation Areas on Communal or Public Lands
Conservation and Reclamation of Native Forests. FHI seeks to aid
participant communities and their respective Municipal Governments
in creating and implementing appropriate rules for the use and conservation
of native forests.
Conservation and Reclamation of Native Pasturelands. Native pasturelands
contribute to soil protection, assist in water retention, protect
wild fauna, lessen evaporation, improve the physical composition
of the soil, and stabilize altered areas.
NRM
Improvement on Private Lands
While degradation of natural resources on communal and public lands
is a serious problem, it is equally clear that improved NRM on private
lands must be addressed. Projects will include terraces, contour
curves and rock walls along the contour of steeply sloping hillsides
under cultivation to prevent soil erosion; “live” or
rock wall fences around and within pastures to enable improved management
of pastures; protection of water sources.
Training
– Systematic training will be provided to farmers on technical
subjects on the sustainable management of natural resources incorporating
Biblical values and principles. Also, producer and community organization
leaders are trained on aspects of administration and leadership.
Organization
– Consolidation of or the creation of agricultural organizations
will be sought to jointly carry out conservation work and the recovery
of natural resources in their communities in such a way that the
collective good is achieved rather than just the individual good.
Specific Natural Resource Management Interventions:
Training community leaders and members in environmental protection
Waste management projects
Monitoring of mitigation measures
Conservation and recuperation of native forests and grasslands
Protection of endangered species and historic sites
Land protection and reclamation using terracing, flood walls to
protect land near rivers, forestation projects, etc.
Appropriate design and management of irrigation systems.
Soil fertility management practices which promote sustainable
production systems.
Program
Indicators
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