Pachamama

For travelers who have an interest in the eco-credentials of the countries they visit, Bolivia makes an interesting case study. This South American nation is one of many countries across the globe that has been struggling to cope with the effects of rising temperatures, with extreme weather threatening many of its habitats and causing natural disasters. But rather than burying its head in the sand, Bolivia has risen to the challenge.

Not only has Bolivia pressed first-world countries to agree to significant reductions in carbon emissions at UN climate discussions, but in 2011, the Bolivian government made a radical move in response to the threat of global warming. They voted to support an act that treats Pachamama (or Mother Earth) as a living being with rights similar to those that exist for human beings. In Bolivia, nature has been granted the right to life and regeneration, the right to pure air and clean water, the right to not be polluted, the right to balance and the freedom from genetic modification. This is expected to help preserve the country’s habitats, place limitations on up-to-now inexorable industries and to curtail damage to Bolivia’s natural treasures.

The impetus behind this development were the spiritual beliefs of Bolivia’s indigenous people, which place huge importance and show great respect for the Great Mother Earth and the natural world. Though the full bill is yet to be ratified, the legislation is still on course. We’ll have to wait and see how it will impact industry in Bolivia. One thing is for certain though, fascinating changes are afoot.