News in Brief:
– Bolivian indigenous women combat wildfires in the Chiquitania region, using the resilient chiquitana almond trees as a natural defense against the rising threat.
– They also eye the economic potential in the almonds as they become a profitable venture, offering new markets and opportunities while addressing environmental challenges.
In the Chiquitania region grappling with soaring temperatures and relentless wildfires, Bolivian women in are forging a formidable frontline against environmental threats. With temperatures hitting a scorching 107°F (42°C) last year, the world’s largest tropical dry forest faces imminent danger. However, a unique approach led by indigenous women is emerging as a beacon of hope.
Marina Justiniano, president of the local indigenous women’s group and a certified firefighter, stands at the forefront of this movement. At over 60 years old, she became a firefighter in 2019, determined to showcase the vital role women can play in firefighting efforts. Justiniano and her squad, now five women strong, hail from villages in the Roboré municipality, where the risk of wildfires looms large.
Almond trees: nature’s firewall
In their battle against wildfires, the indigenous communities are turning to a surprising ally – the chiquitana almond tree (dipteryx alata). With its thick bark, this native species not only survives fires but also rebounds swiftly, offering a natural defense against the encroaching flames.
Nardy Velasco, the senior leader of indigenous communities, envisions a landscape adorned with almond trees, not just for their resilience but also as a source of income.
The chiquitana almond, valued at $5 per kilo, has become a profitable venture, outshining other cash crops. With a taste reminiscent of a cross between a peanut and an almond, these nuts are in high demand in the United States and Europe, opening new markets and opportunities for local farmers. Velasco’s strategic efforts in fundraising, training, and cultivation aim to turn the almond into a cornerstone for economic stability.
Amid the pandemic, reliance on local resources, including the chiquitana almond, took center stage. Velasco’s training courses revealed the nut’s nutritional benefits, transforming it from a mere tree to a lifeline for the community. Beyond combating wildfires, almonds prove versatile, finding their way into various culinary delights, from milk to savory dishes.
