Traditional knowledge and water governance in the Bolivian dry tropical forest: A journey back to my roots

The Chiquitania, located in eastern Bolivia, in the Santa Cruz department, is a region of great ecological and cultural diversity, home to the Chiquitano Dry Forest—the largest and most bio diverse tropical dry forest in the world. However, this natural and cultural wealth is under increasing threat from deforestation and devastating fires. In 2019, an unprecedented environmental disaster destroyed 10% of the Santa Cruz department, severely affecting communities, ecosystems, and vital water resources.

My name is Eliana Galarza. I grew up in Santa Cruz, a city once celebrated as "the purest sky in the Americas," as its anthem proudly declares. After years of living in Europe, I decided to return to my roots, hoping to better understand my country and its people from a fresh perspective. However, upon my return, I found the region grappling with not only environmental crises but also profound economic and social challenges. Prices are rising due to inflation, fuel is scarce with long lines at gas stations, and diesel shortages are even worse, creating roadblocks and intensifying local struggles.

Upon arriving in Santa Cruz city, the air was heavy with smoke despite being hundreds of kilometres from the fires. Swimming pools were covered in ash, and thick curtains of smoke limited visibility. This stark reality forced me to reflect on how uncontrolled fires and agricultural expansion not only devastate the forest but also profoundly impact the local communities that depend on it for their livelihoods.

My research focuses on water—a vital yet increasingly scarce resource in this region. The Chiquitania is home to Indigenous peoples such as the Chiquitanos, Ayoreos, and Guaraníes, who have developed ancestral knowledge to sustainably manage water, fires and food resources. Their practices are deeply rooted in a worldview that regards water not just as a resource but as a communal lifeline essential for survival.

The community where I will be based has developed a pilot strategy to preserve water bodies. I am curious to uncover the nuances of this approach, its challenges, and the opportunities it presents. Through this, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how water is managed in this context and how traditional knowledge plays a role in sustaining local livelihoods amidst mounting pressures.

This experience is proving to be as enriching as it is challenging. Each step of this journey deepens my connection to the cultural and natural wealth of the Chiquitania, while also confronting me with the harsh realities faced by its inhabitants and learning from them about their daily struggles, but also about their proposals for overcoming these challenges.