From Mistakes to Sustainability: The Inspiring Conservation Project at Campo Escuela Arani, Bolivia

Scouts have a connection with nature which dates back to the beginning of the Movement a hundred years ago. It is within that bond that they find the inspiration to take action in favour of environmental education and protection. Even by focusing on the Scout Law, which states that "a Scout cares for and protects nature," Scouts constantly renew their commitment to the environment. 

It was precisely this conviction that inspired a group of Scouts in Bolivia to undertake an ambitious reforestation and conservation project in their beloved Campo Escuela Arani - the National Campsite of Scouts of Bolivia. Over the years, this campsite has witnessed numerous national and international events. Understanding its significance, they decided to take measures to preserve its essence.

Ready to be inspired by their commitment to the planet? Let’s learn about how they did it!

Why it’s Essential to Preserve Native Tree Species in Bolivia

A few years ago, the national team carried out a reforestation activity in which non-native species like pine trees were used, causing an ecological imbalance in the natural ecosystem. This experience made them reflect and understand the need to promote the use of native species all around their country. Scouts also understood that preserving native species is crucial for safeguarding the traditional knowledge and culture of indigenous communities, whose livelihoods and traditional medicine depend on forest resources.

The Bolivian Scouts’ project took shape in response to their concerns. They started to ask crucial questions, such as:

• How can Scouts restore the vitality of native species in Campo Escuela?
• How can young people make this project sustainable and enable others to learn about the importance of promoting native species?
• How can Scouts bring changes in the neighbouring communities of Campo Escuela and prevent the recurrence of adverse events in the future?

How Scouts are Preserving Native Tree Species in Bolivia

To ensure the use of native plant species in Campo Escuela, the Scouts decided to establish a nursery of native species and conduct expeditions to collect sprouts and explore native forests. With financial support from World Scouting as part of the the Messengers of Peace Support Fund and an alliance with the Project for Adaptation to the Impacts of Climate Change on Andean Water Resources (AICAA), Scouts of Bolivia trained a team of 100 adult volunteers within the National Scout Organization.

This volunteer team worked across the region to multiply knowledge about native species and the importance of protecting the forests. As a capstone project, Scouts of Bolivia ran reforestation campaigns using exclusively native species, with the participation of over 1,000 volunteers.

The formula was simple and showed the power of training trainers! Bolivian Scouts trained 100 people to reach 10,000.

With over 100 young people educated on and impassioned by the importance of sustainable reforestation, they were able to exponentially transmit knowledge and expand their impact. Believing in the capacity of young people to be messengers and teach others has been fundamental to the success of this project.

The Future of Reforestation at Campo Escuela Arani

While great progress has been made, the Scouts of Bolivia understand that reforesting the region is a long-term project which requires forward thinking. Restoring the original beauty of Campo Escuela Arani will take time and dedication. 

They are confident that they have taken firm steps in the right direction. The impact will not be limited solely to the area around Campo Escuela Arani, but over 10,000 trained individuals will be able to make more informed decisions and actions on conservation in the future, across all of Bolivia.

The reforestation and conservation project in Campo Escuela Arani is a clear example of how commitment and action can impact environmental protection. Recognizing the mistakes of the past and learning from them, Scouts of Bolivia have focused on preserving the diversity and traditional knowledge of indigenous communities.

They will continue working tirelessly, inspired by the Scout spirit and the certainty that our actions make a difference. All of the Scouts and the thousands of volunteers they have trained will build a future where greater harmony between humans and nature becomes a tangible reality.