Indigenous territories, together with protected areas, conserve almost half of the Amazon basin, which houses 10% of the planet's biodiversity. Something similar happens in Bolivia: indigenous territories and protected areas cover 43.3% of the Amazonian surface and are crucial to ensure both conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
In order to share our experience with indigenous territorial management, an event was held in the Alliance Française in La Paz on 19th of April 2018. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Tacana Indigenous Council (CIPTA), the Lecos Apolo Indigenous Organization (CIPLA) and the Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla presented the dissemination materials and publications of 17 case studies that demonstrate the environmental, economic and sociocultural values of indigenous territorial management, together with a photographic exhibition on biodiversity and culture. As a closure of the event, the Vice Minister of Tourism, Ricardo Cox, and the Director of Monitoring from the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP), Leonardo Uruchi, took the stage. Thus, the dissemination campaign began both in Bolivia and internationally, so that these results could be widely shared across other parts of the Amazon and beyond.
Major press coverage was achieved in both national and international media. Some media outlets refered to indigenous peoples as 'the guardians of the Amazon preserve the essence of their sacred house'. Contacts established with different international organizations, academic and scientific institutions, indigenous organizations, environmental networks, protected areas, foundations and journalists, contributed to the dissemination of the materials produced on the results of these 17 case studies through their institutional platforms. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, showing the great interest in learning about successful experiences of indigenous territorial management. Invitations have been received to make presentations, to use the information in other studies and participate in more in-depth interviews.