SANAPI

In Bolivia, widespread poverty puts individuals in predicaments where they must prioritize their basic needs over the preservation of natural resources. Their reliance on natural resources for such livelihoods as logging or agriculture can lead to deforestation and the degradation of protected areas. 

The dilemma these communities face highlights the complex balance between economic survival and environmental conservation and emphasizes the need to offer sustainable alternative income sources when tackling poverty. Preserving natural resources is crucial if we are to mitigate this negative impact and safeguard protected areas and people.

Projected until 2025, SANAPI seeks to strengthen environmental management initiatives and safeguard production systems that promote forest protection in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba and the department of Chuquisaca. 

Driving this change will be the rural communities of the Municipalities of Monteagudo and Muyupampa (Department of Chuquisaca) and of Aiquile and Tiquipaya (Department of Cochabamba). The project has calculated a total of 4795 final beneficiaries, all of whom live in endangered forest areas and most of whom (Chuquisaca and Aiquile) have a tradition of beekeeping production. The area of Tiquipaya does not share this beekeeping tradition, but its communities implement solid sustainable management practices in the territory, meaning they can share the success of their experiences for the mutual benefit of all beneficiaries. 

Four elements underpin the project’s goals:

1. Sustainability and Independence:
   1. Enable local communities and authorities to manage natural resources and protect against climatic threats like fires, pollution, and extractive initiatives.
   2. Establish mechanisms and plans for responsible use of natural resources to preserve the ecosystem.
2. Capacity Building and Food Security:
   1. Promote agroforestry and agroecological activities for synergistic integration of productive activities.
   2. Strengthen families’ capacities to produce food, optimize soil and water use, and eliminate polluting chemicals.
   3. Diversify food production to enhance food security and resilience to climate change, including situations like the Covid-19 pandemic.
3. Forest Protection and Beekeeping:
   1. Safeguard beekeeping of common bees (Apis mellifera) and stingless bees (genus Melipona).
   2. Preserve traditional beekeeping practices compatible with forest protection.
   3. Improve food security for families and contribute to environmental functions affected by climate change and pollution.
4. Strengthening Self-Sufficiency Skills:
   1. Empower producers to market beehive products and generate additional family income.
   2. Reduce pressure on natural resources and encourage forest protection by linking family income to the health of the forests.