Territories, communities, and villages progressing towards the vision of Vivir Bien, crossing their paths in a journey towards a better life.
In the heart of El Alto, a city in the department of La Paz, lies Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, an organisation established in 1995 as a community and neighbourhood cultural centre. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful voice for social diversity, indigenous rights, and environmental justice, particularly in relation to resource extraction and community impacts.
The organisation was instrumental in launching its own community and intercultural radio station, Wayna Tambo, in 2002, and later consolidated territorial cultural work in various neighbourhoods in the city of Sucre in 2009, establishing a community radio.
Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network has been at the forefront of advocating for responsible lithium mining policies that respect indigenous peoples' rights, environmental sustainability, and fair participation of local communities in the profits and decisions related to lithium extraction. With Bolivia holding one of the largest lithium reserves globally, primarily in the Uyuni salt flats, the group's work is of critical importance to the country’s economy and environment.
The organisation often engages in activities such as community organising, policy dialogue, and raising awareness about the socio-environmental challenges posed by aggressive lithium extraction, especially considering Bolivia’s intended energy transition towards green technologies that rely on lithium batteries. They also push for a more equitable energy transition that balances economic development with environmental and social protections in Bolivia.
In 2024, Wayna Tambo - Red de la Diversidad was supported by the Indigenous Community Media Fund, receiving a grant of $480,000 to strengthen infrastructure, training opportunities, and journalism skills. This support enabled the organisation to implement the digital newspaper "The Walls" and consolidate the YouTube channel of Wayna Tambo.
The team of Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network is composed of companions who identify with the Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani peoples. They have been vocal in highlighting the need for a major dialogue about the current state of the mining sector and its impact on communities. Aurelia, a team member, emphasised the need for this dialogue, pointing out the presence of criminals, private entrepreneurs, and multinational companies in the mining sector, camouflaged under its name.
Doña Marina, a 69-year-old translator, expressed concern about the difficulty of translating mining-related terms in Aymara and Quechua languages for affected communities. This concern underscores the importance of organisations like Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, which work towards ensuring that indigenous communities are not left in the dark about the decisions that affect their lives and environments.
Mary Luz from the Totoral Chico community expressed a desire to continue fighting for a peaceful and dignified life for her people. Aurelia also mentioned the need to discuss which zones are being sacrificed in the country due to mining activities. These voices serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for environmental and social justice in Bolivia.
The radio station played a significant role during the Black February and Gas War conflicts in 2003, serving as a voice and support in the resistance struggle of the Alteno people. Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network continues to stand as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more equitable and sustainable future for Bolivia.
Despite the challenges, Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network remains committed to its mission. The need to discuss the intention behind taking the country out of poverty versus capitalist bureaucratization of the mining sector is highlighted, as the organisation continues to advocate for a balance that prioritises the well-being of indigenous communities and the environment.
- Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, established as a cultural centre in 1995, is a influential voice advocating for environmental justice, particularly in relation to responsible lithium mining policies and indigenous rights.
- With the expansion of their work, Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network consolidated territorial cultural work in Sucre and launched its own community radio station in 2002, later transitioning into a digital newspaper and YouTube channel in 2024 with support from the Indigenous Community Media Fund.
- The organisation, composed of Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani team members, continues to engage in community organising, policy dialogue, andraising awareness about the socio-environmental challenges posed by aggressive lithium extraction, balancing economic development with environmental and social protection in Bolivia.
- As social media platforms become increasingly popular, Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network leverages these tools to spread awareness about the ongoing struggle for environmental and social justice in Bolivia, ensuring that indigenous communities are informed about the decisions that impact their lives and environments.
