Transdisciplinary Learning Communities to Involve Vulnerable Social Groups in Solving Complex Water-Related Problems in Bolivia

Abstract

Bolivia has influenced the international water arenas as a pioneer of the Human Water RightsDeclarationbeforetheUnitedNationsGeneralCouncil. However,despiteapositivebutrather ideologicalevolution,thecountryisstillfacingseveralwaterchallengesinpractice. Watergovernance is extremely complex due to intricate social structures, important spatial and temporal differences in the availability of water resources, ecological fragility, and weak institutions. A Transdisciplinary Learning Community approach has been adopted by the Universidad Católica Boliviana to take into account the complexity of the water problems caused by social, hydrological, and ecological system imbalances. In this approach, researchers and non-academic actors work closely together to integrate different ways of conceiving, using, valuing, and deciding on water issues. The approach aims at co-creating resilient solutions by recovering and restoring not only the ecological system, but also the social system in which all actors are aware of their role and responsibility. We explain the challenges and concerns raised by this approach in a case study of the Katari River Basin (KRB), whichisimpactedbyahighdegreeofcontaminationthatismainlycausedwhilecrossingElAltocity, leading to dramatic consequences for the Lake Titicaca ecosystem and its surrounding communities.