Chiquitano Model Forest: International Development Research Centre

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ID: 100668

Added: 2006-07-19 11:11

Modified: 2006-08-25 14:04

Refreshed: 2007-03-23 08:20

Chiquitano Model Forest

Country:	Bolivia
Location:	South-eastern part of the country
Year joined IMFN:	2005
Area:	20.4 million hectares
Regional affiliation:	Regional Model Forest Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC-Net)

Contact information

Name: Hermes Justiniano

Address: Calle Platanillos, 190

Phone: 591-3 334-1017

Email: hrjustin@cotas.com.bo

Website: Temporary: www.fcbcinfo.org

Forest and resource profile

Located in one of the last dry tropical forest regions, not only in Bolivia, but in all of South America, the Chiquitano is valued for both its unique ecology and its historical and cultural importance. The Seco Chiquitano Model Forest is located in a transitional ecoregion between the humid climate of the Amazonian region and the dry climate of the Chaco. Geologically, the area presents a rolling topography with small mountain chains and the Precambrian shield, a granitic rock formation underlying the soils of the region, with spectacular occasional outcrops.

Vegetation in the area varies from semi-deciduous to deciduous,. Species exclusive to this ecoregion are, among others: Morado (Machaerium scleroxylon), Momoqui (Caesalpinia pluviosa), Tarara amarilla (Centrolobium microchaeta) and Roble Sudamericano (Amburana cearensis). More than 75% of the timber species in the Región Chiquitaniía forests are of commercial value.

About 180 000 people live in this region, including the Chiquitana and the Ayoreode Indigenous peoples who account for 22 000 people in 124 communities. There are three protected municipal areas covering 410 000 ha, and another 40 620 ha are natural heritage private reserves.

Economic profile

Land ownership is concentrated in the cattle-raising sector, which, along with the forestry sector, generates about 90% of the economy in the area. More than 1200 livestock private holdings exist in the ecoregion and its neighbouring areas, ranging from 50 - 50 000 ha, raising mainly zebu-type cattle for beef production. The forestry sector comprises six forest concessions, ranging from 50 000 - 150 000 ha, and some 20 Agrupaciones Sociales del Lugar (ASL), each managing an average of 20 000 ha.

Why a model forest?

One of the main challenges facing the Chiquitano Model Forest is to strike a balance between conservation and sustainable development. The importance of the model forest concept resides in the possibility of achieving:

Participatory social management processes, including regional social and economic interactions and the possibility of influencing development trends toward a better future
Natural resource management on a landscape scale, which allows for social partnerships with different stakeholders, taking into account the types of soils and recognizing the environmental services provided by the forests
Ecoregional integrity as an innovative approach that can be applied in Bolivia for the sustainable management of natural resources and conservation of biodiversity
The development of a governance framework by integrating municipal jurisdictions, which in Bolivia is now managed through two municipal associations

Strategic goals

Maintain the ecological integrity of the Chiquitano Forest Ecoregion and connectivity with larger ecosystems through biological corridors
Maintain the balance between the climate and potable water sources by adopting an integrated watershed management approach
Decrease social vulnerability by applying an ecosystem framework for sustainable development and conservation strategies
Complete land-use planning for all municipalities in the ecoregion and effectively apply it in situ
Establish sustainable management practices, ideally, certified in all private and native forest production
Establish ecologically sound cattle-raising practices
Promote the growth of sustainable ecotourism, combining the most remarkable natural and cultural strengths in the region

Accomplishments to date

A strategic plan for the model forest was developed: The Plan de conservación y desarrollo sostenible para el Bosque Chiquitano, Cerrado y Pantanal Boliviano (2001), revised in its strategic points in 2004. For 6 years we have worked hard on the implementation phase of the Plan, with a total investment of more than $7 million
Procedures of capital importance for the region have been established, as well as land-use planning for five municipalities. The implementation phase has begun.
Three new protected areas have been created in the region, totalling 420 000 ha
36 indigenous communities have received land titles
Several communities have received important benefits from ecotourism activities in the area

International policy links (planned)

Chiquitano Model Forest activities will directly address numbers 9and 10 of the Millennium Development Goals, specifically the following:

Integrate the principles of sustainable development into the country policies and programs; reverse loss of environmental resources
Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water

And

Further develop an open trading and financial system that is rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory, includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction-nationally and internationally
In cooperation with developing countries, develop decent and productive work for youth

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