The visit to Bolivia of Cristian Samper, President and CEO of WCS, Julie Kunen, Executive Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and some members of the Administrative Council of the institution, held between 12 and 22 August, reflects the importance of the Greater Madidi-Tambopata Landscape as a privileged conservation site because of its exceptional biodiversity. The visit was able to strengthen working relationships with local partners of the program, through meetings with protected areas directors, park rangers and indigenous territories organizations where experiences and ideas on conservation strategies were exchanged within the framework of the inter-institutional agreements.
One highlight was the formal act where WCS and the Indigenous Territory of the Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla signed a renewal for the cooperation agreement and presented the recently published Land Management Plan or Marka Life Plan, which took place on August 19 in the ayllu of Agua Blanca, with the presence of Marka authorities and the residents of this ayllu. The Plan was elaborated in consultation with the authorities and representatives of different ayllus of the Marka and with technical support of WCS. The Life Plan constitutes an essential tool in guiding land use, development and institutional strengthening of their organization, ensuring the conservation of the environment and the preservation of their cultural identity and ancestral knowledge.
The Marka Cololo Copacabana Antaquilla totals 40,000 ha and is located within the Apolobamba National Natural Area of Integrated Management in the municipality of Pelechuco, integrating eight ayllus of Puquina Colla origin with strong quechua and aymara influences. It is important for the conservation of high Andean ecosystems and threatened Andean wildlife species, such as the Andean condor, vicuña, taruka or Northern Andean huemul, Andean cat and Andean bear.
The agreement will focus efforts on the implementation of the Marka Life Plan. Among the actions foreseen in the agreement are: the conservation of biodiversity; promoting economic and productive opportunities; strengthening technical capacities of the authorities and leaders of the Marka; and promoting their articulation with other social organizations in the region and with public and private entities. In so doing, the partnership will create the conditions to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Marka and the development of sustainable livelihoods.