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Chocaya and Chacapaya – Highland Agroforestry & Community Resilience Hub in Bolivia

Trust T1

Climate Zones
Highland semi-arid.
Regenerative Focus
Ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation.

About this land node

Chocaya and Chacapaya regenerate high-altitude ecosystems through agroforestry, soil restoration, and community engagement, improving food security and biodiversity across Bolivian highlands.

Overview

Project Vision
Regenerate highland ecosystems and strengthen community resilience.
Project Purpose
Restore Andean highland ecosystems and support Quechua communities through agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods.
Project Title
Chocaya and Chacapaya
Political Location
Potosí Department, Bolivia

Ecology & biodiversity

Flora & Fauna
Quinoa, potatoes, llamas, condors, vicuñas.
Keystone species
Condors (scavengers) support ecosystem health.
Biodiversity context
Adjacent to Sajama National Park and Andean biodiversity corridor.
Ecological corridors
Links Sajama to Eduardo Avaroa Reserve.
Natural boundaries
In Pilcomayo River watershed and Andean altiplano.
Ecosystem unity
Highland semi-arid ecosystem connecting mountains, valleys, and puna grasslands for llamas, vicuñas, and condors.

Climate & water

Climate Zones
Highland semi-arid.
Rainfall patterns
Rainy Nov–Mar (~50 mm/month); dry Apr–Oct.
Average Rainfall
400–600 mm/year
Temperature Extremes
-5°C to 20°C
Average Temperature
8°C average
Watershed
Pilcomayo River watershed draining to Paraguay River.
Aquifers & groundwater
Limited aquifers; uses snowmelt and rainwater harvesting.
Nearby water bodies
≈20 km to Pilcomayo River; ≈100 km to Lake Poopó

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope
3,500–4,000 m; steep slopes.
Landforms
Rugged mountains and high plains.
Soil Types
Sandy-loam soils low in nutrients; improved through composting and agroforestry.
Soil health
Low organic matter, improving via tree planting.
Erosion risk
High erosion risk; mitigated by terraces and tree lines.
Natural resources
Water, soil, biodiversity.
Renewable resource potential
Solar energy, water harvesting, biomass.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements
Honours Quechua heritage and knowledge.
Traditional ecological knowledge
Quechua highland agriculture and water management.
Human Cultures
Quechua communities and local farmers.
Cultural continuity
Quechua communities, eco-tourists, researchers
Cultural landscapes
Agroforestry terraces, restored puna, community spaces.
Recent land history
Overgrazed slopes now regenerating.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus
Ecosystem restoration, agroforestry, biodiversity conservation.
Regenerative Methodologies
Agroforestry, water harvesting, community-led conservation.
Environmental objectives
Increase tree cover, improve soil fertility, boost biodiversity.
Community objectives
Provide food security, capacity building, and economic opportunities.
Community engagement
Workshops, eco‑tours, community training.
Economic Model
Donations, eco‑tourism, agricultural sales.

Impact

Expressed Impact
Converted 200 ha to agroforestry, increased biodiversity by 10%, trained 150+ farmers.
Key impact metrics
Ha under agroforestry, biodiversity uplift, farmers trained.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres
≈50 km from Potosí.
Website
https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/chocaya-and-chacapaya-bolivia/
Social media
https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities

Connections

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