Strengthening of the Pantanal Network in Bolivia

The Pantanal is one of the best preserved natural areas that still remain in the world. However, pressure on, and threats to, this ecosystem that is shared by Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay have dramatically increased during the last decade. In the Bolivian part of the Pantanal, located in the Department of Santa Cruz, the main threats result from on-going or planned commercial exploitation of natural resources, introduction of exogenous plant species, and multinational projects. Individual Bolivian non-governmental and governmental organizations have tried to act against ill-planned development and in favour of the conservation of the Pantanal. However, these efforts are uncoordinated and a clear analysis on the actual situation with respect to threats is lacking. Several of these organisations now have decided to develop joint, coordinated efforts through the newly established and informal Pantanal Network-Bolivia that has been inspired by the Brazilian Pantanal Network. The project aims at building the capacity of the Bolivian Pantanal Network members to develop and promote sustainable wetland policies and action. For this purpose, the project will establish a social, economic and political diagnostic of the Bolivian Pantanal; structure the basis of the Bolivian Pantanal Network; develop an action plan and identify adequate policies for the wetlands of the Santa Cruz department. The diagnostic, structure of the network and action plan will be developed by means of meetings and workshops involving current and envisaged members of the Bolivian Pantanal Network, and major policy agents in the region.

ICEA produced six results in project 600011 1. A document with a diagnosis of the situation in the Pantanal. 2. Identification of the principal members and actors of the Pantanal network. 3. Establishment of a vision and a mission for Bolivian Pantanal network. 4. An action plan has been generated for the Pantanal network. 5. Establishment of the principal political lines for the wetlands of the Santa Cruz Department. 6. Priority actions for the high basin of the Paraguay River.