Perspectives on water challenges, and new Horizons in Salinas and Puquio. Chiquitania region, Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

By Eliana Galarza

Figure 1: Sunset in the San Miguelito River, close by Salinas.

Challenges

My time in Salinas provided a deeper understanding of the layered complexities faced by the community, where water challenges intertwine with cultural, environmental, and economic pressures. What stood out the most was how different groups within the community—youth, elders, and women—each hold distinct perspectives on the problems they face and the potential solutions. These differences not only highlight the richness of their experiences but also underline the challenges in tackling their shared struggles. In Salinas, water scarcity is compounded by environmental challenges such as recurring fires and the relentless expansion of the agricultural frontier. Extensive cattle ranching and large-scale monoculture farming have not only reshaped the landscape around the community but also intensified the strain on natural resources. These pressures, combined with the broader impacts of climate change, have made the availability of water increasingly unpredictable. Meanwhile, a significant demographic shift is underway. Many young people leave Salinas to pursue higher education or work in nearby cities or within the growing agricultural and ranching industries. This exodus leaves behind a population primarily composed of elders, whose resilience is remarkable but is tested daily as they are left to face challenges like food production, lack of health services, and water scarcity.

The struggle for water

For the community members water is both a necessity and a daily challenge on dry season. The underground water extracted is minimal, and the community relies heavily on a central collection point to fetch water for drinking and cooking use only. The water distributed to households is only suitable for cleaning and washing, emphasizing the gap between availability and need. As I expanded my research, I decided to include in my research the community of Puquio, where the challenges mirror those of Salinas, yet enriched my research. The water they used to consume was visibly dense and murky, underscoring the dire need for better access to clean water. Some images that stay with me is of an elderly woman and young children carrying water home to cook and drink.

Figure 2: Elder woman carrying water to cook and drink, Puquio

Figure 3: Young children at the water pump, collection point in Salinas.

Glimpses of hope

Their effort embodies the daily struggle faced by the community. Yet, their resilience and determination to adapt are constant sources of inspiration, and they themselves said that when they were children, they went farthest distances and more often to collect water for their household. These communities, deeply rooted in the defence of its territory and ancestral knowledge, are grappling with water scarcity, migration of its youth, and rising prices of imported vegetables. However, both Puquio and Salinas offer glimpses of hope. Conservation initiatives are emerging in both communities, opening doors to innovative solutions such as water harvesting and the revival of agricultural practices rooted in traditional knowledge. This "coming back to their roots" represents a profound shift in thinking—one where the communities aim to rebuild a harmonious relationship with nature. By taking better care of the environment, they hope for nature’s reciprocity: more reliable resources and a renewed sense of balance. It hasn’t been an easy journey, as it initially caused internal conflicts, but their collective vision has brought them back together to tackle the water struggle as a united community.

Reflections and lessons learned

The experiences in Salinas and Puquio reveal similar challenges and aspirations, deepening my understanding of the intricate connections between people, land, and water. Both communities face the same hurdles: water scarcity, migration of youth, and the struggle to maintain food production under growing environmental pressures. Yet, their resilience, creativity, and commitment to their ancestral ties highlight a shared vision for a better future. As I continue my research, these stories of struggle and hope remain at the forefront. The path forward lies in amplifying their voices, recognizing their traditional knowledge, and supporting efforts that respect their cultural heritage while fostering eco-friendly and innovative solutions. By integrating their knowledge and addressing their challenges, there is an opportunity to create meaningful change that aligns with their vision for a balanced and thriving community. My personal reflection is that conducting research is a challenging endeavour that requires full dedication, active listening, keen observation, and ongoing reflection and validation. It has become clear to me that not all conclusions can represent the perspectives of all groups, emphasizing the importance of capturing diverse voices and experiences.

Figure 4: Eliana Galarza visit to the Water Recharge Zone in Salinas.

All photos in this article were taken by the author during fieldwork conducted in 2024