Dialogue Between the Science Panel for the Amazon and the National Academy of Sciences of Bolivia

On April 4, 2023, the Scientific Panel for the Amazon (SPA) and the Bolivian National Academy of Sciences organized an event on the current state of the Bolivian Amazon and its main risks and impacts. They also discussed possible paths for sustainable development in the country, including successful initiatives that can be expanded and replicated. Lykke Andersen, the director of SDSN Bolivia acted as moderator, while Marielos Peña-Claros (co-chair of the SPA) and Mónica Moraes (President, National Academy of Sciences of Bolivia) presented the main conclusions and recommendations of the SPA 2021 Assessment Report and also on her personal research, with an overview of the Bolivian Amazon.

The session began with a presentation by Marielos Peña-Claros on the structure of the 2021 Amazon Assessment Report. She invited participants to explore the report on the SPA website, mentioning that many chapters are available in Spanish and that participants could use this information in their classrooms and other relevant forums. Marielos also described how in 2022, the panel released 3 additional policy briefs at COP27 (restoration, tipping points, and Indigenous territories), and also spoke on how the SPA is in a phase of identifying new authors including suggestions from other Bolivian researchers.

Mónica Moraes, President of the Bolivian National Academy of Sciences and lead author of the SPA, stated that the Bolivian Academy is looking for new members and that it is an academy for all areas of science. One of their objectives is to inspire and dignify the work of Bolivian scientists and researchers. Monica also highlighted that “the 2021 Amazon Assessment Report was a unique effort. The report is over 1,300 pages long and our region should take a look and make a decision considering this.” Dr. Moraes presented the different systems and processes found in the Amazon and recommended that the Academy and the SPA make a call to action to collaborate.

Marcos Michel, Associate Professor of Archeology at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, presented findings on the use of hydraulic arches and artificial constructions in the lowlands of Bolivia, showing earth movement maps, pyramids, and embankments with geometric shapes. This suggests that the artificial earthworks in Bolivia are much larger and more complex than previously believed and that more research is needed in this area.

Zulema Lehm, a lead author of the SPA, presented how the Amazon is a region with a long history of myths and stereotypes since the 16th century. This region has been the victim of invasions, disease, and population decline. Past negotiations and current public policies must take into account the need to build respectful relationships with the Amazonian peoples, ensuring their well-being, highlighting their ancestral knowledge, and achieving full recognition of their territories.

Luis Aguirre, Director and Research Professor of the Center for Biodiversity and Genetics of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, spoke about the high number of bats in the Amazon, where it is believed that the origin of some of their superfamilies goes back to African ecosystems. The savannahs in South America are an important habitat for bats and that is why it is vital to preserve them. 72% of the Bolivian savannahs have been burned, so for conservation, strategies such as Important Areas for the Conservation of Bats (AICOM), Important Sites for the Conservation of Bats (SICOM), and Key Biodiversity Areas are proposed (KBA).

Guido Miranda, an author of the SPA, presented on the diversity of Bolivian fish in the Amazon and the threats to these species, such as pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and high levels of medicines. eDNA technology has been applied to understand the high diversity and 22 potential breeding grounds for catfish have been identified in the Madera Basin. Involving citizen science in the learning process is key to protecting these rivers and the species that inhabit them.

After resuming the floor, Mónica Moraes pointed out that the Amazon is a source of carbon and contains 50 types of ecosystems, as well as different types of water. The Amazon is facing threats such as degradation, deforestation, and climate change, so it is important that different actors collaborate for sustainability in the region. The 2021 Amazon Assessment Report promotes cooperation between actors, as well as the connection of different knowledge systems.

Daniel Larrea, a lead author of the SPA, spoke about the use of Amazonian products in Bolivia, such as chestnuts and acaí. He explained how Bolivia exports more than 20,000 tons of Brazil nuts per year, with a value of 130-135 million USD/year, and how 7% of the country has 20.5 million Brazil nut trees. He also spoke about the challenges of acai production and the role of farmers.

Emma Torres, the SPA Strategic Coordinator, offered closing remarks and highlighted the importance of the Academies of Sciences and the Scientific Panel, commenting that this was a truly collaborative scientific effort coming from the region. She also mentioned some key messages from the SPA: firstly, that the Amazon is close to a tipping point and that we must work on reforestation, remediation, and investment in ST&I. Although Amazonian countries, unfortunately, do not invest enough in science, technology, and innovation, the Academies of Sciences in the region have a fundamental role in supporting these efforts.

Rewatch the recording of the event on our youtube page.

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