Building Early Warning Systems rooted in Bolivian indigenous knowledge

Nature’s clues: Bioindicators in practice

For generations, indigenous communities have used natural indicators—changes in plants, animals, and celestial movements—to understand and adapt to shifts in the environment. These bioindicators provide critical insights into climate change and its effects on livelihoods, helping communities manage risks and make informed decisions.

Representatives of Aymara and Tacana peoples joined experts from APMT, Senamhi, the National Institute of Agrarian Insurance, the Bolivian Indigenous Aymara University (UNIBOL), Prosuco, and Practical Action. Together, they explored how traditional practices and modern science can complement each other to build inclusive, resilient early warning systems.

Indigenous leaders stressed the importance of recognising their knowledge as a foundation for inclusive early warning systems—not just as an added element. They also highlighted how their knowledge varies across Bolivia’s diverse ecoregions and sub-regions, reflecting the unique environmental contexts of each nation.

From Aymara lands, representatives shared decades of work on systematising natural indicators, explaining their meanings and identifying disaster risk reduction measures rooted in tradition. Meanwhile, Tacana representatives discussed how their life plans, culture, and territorial management practices keep their knowledge alive. They are also beginning to formalise these indicators to strengthen their use in local decision-making.

This dialogue demonstrated that when ancestral knowledge meets scientific tools, early warning systems can become more inclusive, context-sensitive, and effective.

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Knowledge in action: People leading the way

The success of early warning systems depends on people’s ability to observe and interpret environmental changes. This knowledge, passed through generations, is supported by tools that enhance risk analysis and decision-making.

Eliodoro Baldivieso from Prosuco showcased a natural indicator monitoring system based on 120 ancestral indicators, with 45 actively observed. A key tool is the Pachagrama, which records daily agro-climatic data to help communities translate local observations into actionable climate information. Leon Lizon of Practical Action stressed the need for early warning systems that align with local contexts, integrate technology thoughtfully, and improve communication channels for timely warnings. By bridging traditional and modern knowledge, these systems can effectively empower communities to safeguard their livelihoods.

The need to ground this still conceptual discussion within practices was one of the most important conclusions of this event, followed by the need for agro-statistics, reaffirming the knowledge and capacities of observers, the systematisation of ancestral knowledge, the search for institutionalisation through normative and financial instruments, among others.

Whether it is an anta, the Mayflower, the liqiliqi or the cactus flower, among hundreds of natural indicators, these are present not only in the traditions but also in the culture of these two indigenous peoples, as well as in that of the 36 that make up the Plurinational State of Bolivia. This space and the previous reflection will pave the way for a second meeting to strengthen the proposals achieved and the participation of more indigenous peoples.

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Turning knowledge into action

Participants recognised the need to transform discussions into practical outcomes. They identified key priorities:

• Strengthening ancestral knowledge for intercultural early warning systems

Participants emphasised the importance of blending scientific and ancestral knowledge to prepare for agro-climatic hazards. Disseminating this information in local languages through community radio was identified as a practical approach to reach rural populations. A centralised database of natural indicators from Bolivia’s 36 indigenous communities will support this effort, alongside revitalising risk management terminology in indigenous languages. Intergenerational sharing of bio-indicator knowledge and technology management was also highlighted as vital to preserving and advancing these practices.

• Advocating for inclusive public policies

A strong call was made for public policies that integrate indigenous perspectives, ensuring high levels of participation from indigenous populations in shaping climate change and agricultural strategies. Traditional knowledge must be formally recognised as a category within agro-climatic forecasting technologies, supported by national-level policies and collaboration among key actors.

• Building institutional sustainability for agricultural early warning systems

Integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies is essential for creating resilient food systems. Achieving this requires leadership and collaboration across networks, with a focus on complementarity of knowledge. Enhanced communication channels for sharing warnings, the development of technology suited to local contexts, and the reconstitution of Yapukamanis (traditional authorities) in territories, ayllus, and markas were also identified as priorities.

These commitments lay the foundation for strengthening food security and climate resilience, ensuring that knowledge from both the past and present is harnessed for the benefit of all.

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Strengthening partnerships for the future

This event underscored the power of partnerships. Convened by the Plataforma de Naciones y Pueblos Indígenas Originarios Campesinos de Lucha contra El Cambio Climático (PILCCC), and the Plurinational Authority of Mother Earth (APMT), Escuela Superior de formación de Maestros Warisata and INIBOL, it was supported by Prosuco and Practical Action through the Indigenous Inclusion for Informed Decision-Making in Disaster Risk Management in Bolivia project.

Implemented by Practical Action with Clear Global and the University of Edinburgh, and funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the project is a collaboration model. It integrates indigenous knowledge into data systems like Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s World Risk Poll to improve decision-making and ensure communities can take early, informed action. Together, these partnerships protect lives and livelihoods while fostering resilience in the face of climate challenges.