Diakonia-Agua Sustentable Project: External Evaluation · Diakonia- Agua Sustentable, Adapting to Climate change in Andean communities that depend on Tropical Glaciers, 2010-2012,

Diakonia-Agua Sustentable with the support of Nordic Climate Facility

Project: Adapting to Climate Change in Andean

Communities depending on Tropical Glaciers 2010-2012

External Evaluation March 2013 Final Report

Ann Chaplin

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Diakonia- Agua Sustentable, Adapting to Climate change in Andean communities that depend on Tropical Glaciers, 2010-2012, External Evaluation, March 2013, Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Background 2. Proposed Project

3. Areas of work; what has been done

The Sajhuaya Watershed The Sajama National Park

4. Achievements

4.1 Tangible and concrete achievements 4.2 Changes in knowledge, practices and attitudes 4.3 Levels of acceptance of the proposal and Adjustment Strategies 4.4 Participation of the people (Men and women) within the process 4.5 Vulnerability of women; the chacha-warmi relation and women’s participation in decision making within the community 4.6 Advancements in local organization status; relation between communal organization and municipal authorities 4.7 Rights and Advancements thereof 4.8 Immediate results vs. long term impact 4.9 Results and sustainability 4.10 In relation to major objectives and proposed results

5. About the process: results 6. Conclusions

7. Suggestions

Annexes:

1. Terms of Reference 2. Proposal for the Methodology of the Assessment 3. Initial Meeting: Expectations 4. Evaluation Meeting with the Team: Report 5. Meeting to Submit the Initial Assessment Report: Report 6. People that were Interviewed 7. Interviews 8. Results from the Field Work 9. Pilot Projects Encouraged in Both Work Areas 10. Main Documents Consulted

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1. Background The 2010-2012 Project Adapting to Climate Change in Andean Communities depending on Tropical Glaciers is a joint cooperation between Diakonia, the Non-Government Agency from Sweden and Agua Sustentable, a Bolivian Non-Government Organization. This joint Project was submitted to Nordic Climate Facility (NCF, funded by the Nordic Development Fund), and was awarded 65% of the funding, which was completed by Diakonia for the remaining 35%1. Subsequently, further funding was obtained from Christian Aid and COSUDE, the Swiss Cooperation in Bolivia. The Project was originally designed for a two-year period. Diakonia has been working in Bolivia for several decades now; it was created in its origin country by five ecumenical churches. It seeks to contribute to structural changes in social problems such as injustice, poverty and any kind of exclusion (Mission). Its work in Bolivia has been mainly focused on Human Rights and Gender, and lately has focused more on working not only with women, but also with indigenous, peasant and native peoples as well as African Bolivian descendants for the consolidation of the autonomies (Please refer to Schedule 1, Terms of Reference). It is a first time for Diakonia to be involved in supporting a Project of Adaptation to Climate Change, and thus a new experience for them. On the other hand, Agua Sustentable (Sustainable water) is an NGO which mission is to contribute to the sustainable management of water and the environment on a local and international levels, through learning processes, policies, institutions and legal provisions, aimed at the collective wellbeing and the social and economical development of local populations by developing and strengthening social and communal capacities through the participation and accountability of common citizens, for the collective wellbeing and joint management of Watersheds, water sources and the services derived from the use thereof. All of the foregoing based on the principle of water as a Human Right and the priority of the use of water for life, construed as human consumption and productive activities related with food and environment security.2 Two years into the Project, both institutions decided to perform an external assessment in order to: Perform a systematic and objective evaluation of the Adapting to Climate Change in Andean Communities depending on Tropical Glaciers Project insofar as the compliance of its purpose, results and sustainability impact. 3 The methodology adopted to make such an evaluation had to bee, above all, participative: people from the teams were involved in the evaluation process as a

1 These amounts refer to the new funding; in fact there were important contributions from IDRC Canadá, the

local population and Agua Sustentable. 2 Refer to Schedule 1, Terms of Reference

3 Refer to Schedule 1, Terms of reference for more details

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key component of the work performed per se, and the input of the findings.4 This Report is drafted in such a way that it first describes the proposed Project, then the characteristics of the work areas and the work that was accomplished therein. The results of the process are taken from several different perspectives as well as the joint results. Finally, some conclusions and suggestions are stated for future work. 2. The proposed Project

One of the main effects of temperature increase in the Andes is the reduction of the glaciers in the mountains found in the region. Thawing of the tropical glaciers, which is occurring more rapidly than in colder areas is a result of the temperature increase, long term exposure to the sun and the fact that rainfall coincides with summer, thus reducing snow accumulation.5 Glaciers play an important role in the use of water since it supposedly accumulates snow during the rainy season (summer) and provides water during winter, which is the dry season. Those communities that inhabit below these glaciers have been feeling the consequences of the defrosting of these glaciers for some decades now, with different effects on their productive systems and living conditions. The communities living on the Bolivian Altiplano (High Andean Plateau) are among the most vulnerable in the country in relation to food security and poverty terms, which are measured based on the satisfaction of their basic needs.6 Therefore, there is a prior vulnerability factor regardless of the consequences of global warming. Such vulnerabilities increase with extreme climate events such as “El Niño” 1992-93, which had dire effects over the limited savings of the producers in the Altiplano, and which were very hard to recoup. In the case of the chosen work and study areas, the Sajhuaya Watershed of the Illimani Mountain and the Sajama National Park, they increasingly show high levels of vulnerability and therefore, greater difficulties to respond and recoup from any extreme possible event. In the case of the Sajhuaya Watershed , the extreme poverty level runs 46.8%, with an average yearly income of $US 652.7 At Sajama, the population that lives in extreme poverty represents 93.7%, whereas the per capita income is of $US 420. 8

The level of vulnerability in the case of women is greater since they work within the reproductive and productive areas and thus take responsibility for the entire set of activities, when the men leave to seek other works to support their families.

4 Refer to Schedule 2, on Methodology, Schedules 3, 4 and 5, Reports on Meetings.

5 The contents of this paragraph are part of the Full Project Proposal, Nordic Climate Facility (Diakonia, 23-4-

10) 6 Carmen Barragán et al, VAM PMA, 2005, Vulnerability Map of food Security in Bolivia;Census 2001.

7 García, Magalí and Taboada, Cristal: Vulnerability and Adjustment to climate change at the communities of

Sajhuaya, UMSA, Agua Sustentable et al, La Paz, November 2010 8 Aliendre España, Freddy: Workshop: construction of the Styrategic Map and Operations Program. Case:

municipalioty of Curahuara de Carangas. Also: Vargas, Paola: Adjsutment to climate change in Bolivian Andean communities that depend on Tropical glaciers – The Sajama snowed Mountain:Scial and Economic analysis of the study area, La Paz, July 2012. IThe consumption per capita/month is of Bs. 123. See also Report Ariel Chávez, 27-10-12.

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One of the purposes of Adapting to Climate Change in Andean Communities depending on Tropical Glaciers Project, was to analyze the vulnerability levels of the population vis a vis climate changes in two areas that are directly affected by the thawing of glaciers; the Sajhuaya Watershed which is located to the west side of the Illimani Mountain and the Sajama National Park located in Oruro. Several physical, climatic, productive and social studies were planned to be performed based on the spontaneous adaptation strategies of the people. With the participation of the local inhabitants, several Pilot Projects would be identified aimed at strengthening their ability to adapt to climate change Based on the studies and the experience that could be achieved in the execution of the Projects, an Adaptation or Strategy Plan to Climate Change was to be drafted which would be relevant to these areas, with the approval and validation of the local population. This instrument would serve the population as a comprehensive proposal to negotiate with the respective municipalities, local governments and other sources of public and/or private funding and/or cooperation, notwithstanding the existence of the Final Design Projects to achieve their implementation and further enterprises in the area. Under this light, we foresee an impact work with ample participation of the communities and their inhabitants, both male and female. It was also foreseen that the Project would serve as a model for climate change adaptation directly related to the reduction of the vulnerability of this model population, which could be replicated on a local and international levels. Therefore, Diakonia and Agua Sustentable would jointly embrace this endeavour for the 2010-2012 Project Adapting to Climate Change in Andean Communities depending on Tropical Glaciers, financed by Nordic Climate Facility, with the following objectives:

To implement a participative strategy of adaptation to climate changes, with an emphasis in the thawing of the Bolivian Tropical Glaciers at Sajama National Park and the Sajhuaya Watershed with an impact upon the municipalities of Turco, Curahuara de Carangas and Palca, encouraging the sustainability of the productive, potable water and environment sustainability based on their acquisition of knowledge , the design and/or implementation of specific Projects of adaptation and construction of public policies on a local and national level.

The results which were sought were:

Result 1: The generation of a multidisciplinary knowledge through the integration of social and natural sciences, traditional customs and uses and the perspective of the legislators in order to determine the climate-glacier-water relation and its dependence upon climate change in two different areas which are dependent on tropical glaciers, as well as to determine the differentiated vulnerability and the resilience of the women, men and children, specially insofar as the use and availability of water.

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Result 2: Adaptation plans aimed at the technical and social feasibility and equality of gender to be drafted and their implementation to be supported through specific Pilot Projects and other full scale Projects.

Result 3: Based on the results and lessons learned, a framework to evaluate the Differentiated Vulnerability and Adaptation Actions would be established for the two study areas, with other Andean areas in mind, and have them amply socialized on a local, national and international levels to promote the strengthening of the State through public policies according to the needs and realities of each community.

3. The work Areas. What has been done The Sajhuaya Watershed9 On the west slopes of the Illimani Mountain, bordering with Río Abajo to the south of the city of La Paz, the Sajhuaya Watershed falls abruptly to grazing grounds from the peaks of the mountain through steep slopes, making it possible to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers in small land plots. Lately, the communities of this Basin have mainly focussed on growing lettuce and according to certain studies performed with the Project there is a danger in the mono-crop of lettuce Vis a Vis the demand of this product in the markets in La Paz. This area depends on rain waters and watering channels, many of which were built during colonial times for the irrigation of the fields. During the dry months of winter (August to November) there is usually a deficit of water, unless there are springs or other waterfalls in the community, until thawing starts in the month of November, when it gets warmer. Subsequent of to the Agrarian Reform which took place in 1953, former workers and others that came from the Altiplano started buying land from the former land masters that were found in the area. As a result, the size of the land plots has been reducing specially from one generation to the next, since they were divided amongst the children and heirs; “Land has been sliced like a cheese” said one of the community members in Cebollullo. Families nowadays own small and disperse plots of land from 1500 m2 up to one hectare, which requires intensive cultivation, with an each time greater use of compost and chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Families focus mainly in the production of vegetables for the La Paz market. Close to one hundred vehicles depart from Tahuapalca to the Rodríguez Market every week; some people transport their products up to four times a week. Generally they sell to middlemen (Or women) since it is almost impossible to break the monopolies of the markets in La Paz.

9 Information taken from interviews in the area.

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These past years, temperature has increased, it is quite warm especially from 11 in the morning onwards, and thus the work in the field is harder. Fruits are no longer producing the way they used to, especially in lower lands (Warm) and thus they are being now cultivated in higher grounds. Lettuces grow in two months instead of three, and thus four crops a year can be yielded. Corn yields twice a year if there is proper irrigation. Nevertheless, although warmer climate may increase production, it also implies the presence of new ailments and plagues. According to studies performed by the Project, the temperature has risen while rain has decreased; the rainy season is shorter than before. The Illimani Glacier, which feeds the Sajhuaya Watershed, has lost more than 20% of snow extension since 1963, while there has been an increase during these past 20 years of wetlands in high grounds, which are mainly used for grazing. The Project has made a Projection of an average temperature increase of 1.9º C in 2050 in respect to the 1960-1990, as well as an average rain increase of each year of up to 16%.10 This temperature increase will affect the thawing of the glacier and a possible increase in rainfall, it is expected that the Sajhuaya Watershed will have more access to water in coming years; however, there is no way of predicting how long this situation will last. The vulnerability in the population has been increasingly growing as a result of the exclusive growth of vegetables for the market. Although the results may be favourable, the dependence in one single produce as well as the dependence in water implies that they are more vulnerable during the dry season. On the one hand, women must make sure that there is water for the home, which implies they have to raise up earlier if there is a lack thereof. Agua Sustentable has been working in the area with the support of IDRC performing several studies to show climate tendencies, the development of the glacier and the effects thereof on the production and livelihood of the people. They help identify the existent levels of vulnerability of both men and women in the Basin. Based on the foregoing, and with the cooperation with local and community authorities, several Pilot Projects have been prioritized, which are basically related to the improvement in access to water, and a better and more efficient use and management thereof. The Adaptation Strategy designed upon these studies and validated by the community members of the area is an ambitious plan which aims at becoming a central document that analyzes the local conditions and Projections based on such document as well as the planning of a series of future actions. It will be used as an instrument for the development of a micro-Basin and its incorporation to the official plans of the municipality and other instances, along with some bigger Projects which will arise as a part thereof, in order to guide future investments in the area

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Information taken from the strategy of Adjustment to Climate and global change in the Sajhuaya Watershed, Agua Sustentable, La Paz (No date);and the report/Summary of Ariel Chávez, Diakonia: Updated information of the Base Line; 27-10-12.

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(What are known as Final Design Projects). These strategies provide for the strengthening of the capacities of the people in relation to the adaptation and a comprehensive management of water, a sustainable agricultural production and food security; the search for alternative income not related to agriculture; risk management on a local level and research. Two elements are considered as paramount: the strengthening of organization and gender (Especially the participation of women and leadership). As a matter of fact, the local organization, based on an Agricultural Union, which still carries some characteristics of ancestral times, has lots of experience in dealing with matters related to water. As many people that were interviewed in these communities have stated, water is the main issue in community meetings. There are some norms and regulations that go way back their grandparents which are still respected and are constantly adjusted according to the needs that arise. Such maturity and expertise to deal with complex water issues, many a times within tense situations between communities and/or families, warrants a good base to face extreme climatic events or any other tensions that may arise in the future.11 The next step in the Project, once the strategy has been submitted, will be the submission of the Final Design Projects to the community, so that they may, through the corresponding instance, organize meetings with the Palca Municipality and others, and may obtain the necessary funding thereof. In any case, not only the availability of water has to be taken into account, but the problems that may arise in relation to optimal access to water in the near future, such as a further reduction of size of the land plots, over cultivation without giving the soil some rest, the greater use of toxic pesticides, and others. The Sajama National Park The Sajama National Park, which was created in 1939 in the Bolivian-Chilean border, is surrounded to the west by volcanoes and snowed mountains which create an enormous basin, where high altitude wetlands, rich in water are found. Most people have settled to this side of the volcano and communities have been formed. The average altitude of the area is of approximately 4200 m.a.s.l the main productive activity is the camelidae cattle raising. Families raise alpaca and llama for their commercialization as beef and wool. With a population of over 3000 vicuña in the area, one the activities of the area has been focused in shearing them and selling this valuable commodity for common benefit. Part of the wool is sold to the COPROCA factory in El Alto; another part is bought by intermediaries or sold in fairs. Beef is mainly commercialized trough fairs and intermediaries

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Refer to the very useful study on organization: Elena Villaroel et al, Report on the Rights to Water “Mapping of Rights”, La Paz, July 2011

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Family incomes are supplemented with tourist activities, in some cases through collective activities such as the case of the Tomarape Hostel and the Thermal Waters; in others, individual or family business such as small hotels, mainly in the town of Sajama, tourist guides, etc. Some of the women have been involved in handcrafts made of wool which are partly sold locally. Finally, many men and some women leave their homes during parts of the year seeking supplementary income in nearby cities or in neighbouring Chile, for example. Notwithstanding the different possible activities to be developed in the area, there is a serious migration problem of young people; once they finish grammar school they either go to school in Sajama, Curahuara de Carangas or even further, in El Alto or Oruro; some others leave their communities to enlist in military service and never come back. One of the persons that were interviewed told us that all of her nine children were living in different parts of the country, one of them in Chile. The main source of income is cattle. Thus, for such cattle raising the high plateau wetlands are essential for grazing and their survival. Poverty levels are very high, very few items for their consumption are produced, and most of them are bought. High plateau wetlands are immense swampy lands, rich in a variety of grass and vegetation formed by rainfall and the waters from the defrosting of the snowed mountains as well as some springs that are found in the area. Some rivers are also a source of water in the Altiplano. In the area of Sajama, these wetlands are used for grazing male cattle (Machaje) in a communal manner, as common property and the rest is divided among the families by barbed wire. The land plots have been subdivided through generations and with the increase of people with rights to the land and the increase of cattle, there is a relevant risk that the size thereof will no longer suffice and will create problems of overgrazing, which is already present in some areas. Furthermore, studies performed for the Project show that there has been a reduction of 8% of these wetlands in the past 25 years.12 According to a classification made by the Municipality (PDMO 2007-2011, quoted under Report A. Chávez, 27-10-12) those producers with less than 100 head of cattle cannot cover their basic needs costs (31% of the total); those producers that own between 100 and 200 head of cattle, can cover their basic costs (38% of the producers) and those that manage to actually save some money own over 200 head of cattle (31%). Climate change may be noticed by the people who claim that it is very hot, the appearance of unknown species of plants, the seasonal reduction in the wetlands, the arrival of bugs up to now alien to the area such as horsefly and mosquitoes. A measurement of the lowest temperatures throughout time has shown an increase from December to April, while yearly rainfall has diminished since 1977, showing less rainfall during some months (Mainly from December to February).

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Data provided by Ana Paola Castel in hr exposition during the event organized by Agua Sustentable for the submission of the studies performed at the Sajama National Park, Vienna Restaurant 28-8-2012.

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Furthermore, the studies performed by Agua Sustentable as part of the Project, show that the glacier mass has reduced by 20% in these past 25 years, probably due to global warming during this time. The vulnerability of the population lays mainly on the dependence of cattle activities, especially in situations where the grazing areas and wetlands are being directly affected by climate change and the increase of animals that feed thereon. Having no agricultural production in the area, most produce has to be bought; basis staple products increase in prices constantly while the price they get from beef or wool does not necessarily rise accordingly. Women see their work load increase on a daily basis if there is a shortage of water, or fodder for their animals; they must also cover all the needs of the entire family while their men are absent for several months a year in search for work. The innate organization of the area is called Ayllu, the traditional community organization in the Andes made up of communities. This organization apparently works quite well, notwithstanding the change of authorities from year to year following rotating ancestral practices for the community leaders. Several of the people that were interviewed have stated that they had performed their Tak’i which means the assumption of different levels of leadership to become Tamani after learning from the problems of the communities and having served as public servants of low ranks for years. However, a phenomenon that is recurrent in other parts of the Altiplano has also been identified, which is the leadership of individuals that come back from the cities or even from abroad, who claim such posts, without having lived in the community for years; this creates certain tension within the community members as a result of the little knowledge of the community activities and problems they have A Management Committee has also been created at the Sajama National Park formed by the various authorities of the different communities and others that work in the area as in the a case of Agua Sustentable, who jointly coordinate actions among the different players that live and/or work there. In fact, there are two types of organizations that are found at the Sajama National Park Agua Sustentable started its work in Sajama in 2011 with the Adjustments to Climate Change in Andean Communities that Depend on Tropical Glaciers Project. Since there had not been any previous work done in the area; the studies advanced parallel to the consensus granted by the five communities of the area for the development of small Pilot Projects. The Project was introduced and defined in community meetings, as well as the works to be developed; giving priority to those Projects that benefitted several families whenever possible. Most Projects were related to the canalization of water for irrigation in order to maintain those parts of the wetlands that were drying out humid through water pumps for irrigation and potable water. The Adjustment Plan, wherein the people of the communities have participated, has yet to be revalidated by the communities, and any subsequent impact, to be

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submitted to the Municipality of Curahuara de Carangas and other instances. Very much like the case of the Sajhuaya Watershed, this will focus on the construction of adjustment capacities (With transversal Projects such as the strengthening of organization and gender). The main issues to be stressed are: 1) water; 2) Green sponge (Cattle breeding and conservation of the wetlands); and 3) the diversification of the economy. What we were able to see in both places is that climate change does not only affect the environment, but also the families and their economies; people who are already vulnerable, become even more so with added difficulties to cope with emergency situation due to lack of savings. The increase in temperature and a greater availability of water contribute to the possibility of a greater strengthening of production activities in the near future, which goes hand in hand with the water issue. Nevertheless, the vulnerability issues shown also indicate that other elements have to be taken into account such as land management, overproduction and overgrazing, which are affecting the soil. 4. Achievements The main achievements found in the visits made to the work areas or identified by the entire team are: 4.1 Concrete and Tangible Achievements The people of all the places that were visited agreed on the success of the small Pilot Projects. Most of them are related to the means to extract water (Hand and aeolian pumps), warehouse it (deposits and dams) and the canalization (Improvement of existing channels and the detour of surplus water to create new channels).13 The results of the Project are varied among which we may mention:

Family use of potable water in the home’s yard (Caripe, Sajama). Collective –community- use of potable water sources (Water faucets) in a

central place of the town or the school yard (Caripe, Sajama). Collective use of water related to community Projects for tourism, which

diversify their income (Mountain hostel, Papel Pampa, Sajama). An increase of the irrigation areas of several families; families that benefit

from one single channel (Papel Pampa, Manasaya in Sajama; Tahuapalca, Cebollullo and La Granja in the Sajhuaya Watershed); a better management of water use.

An increase of the wetlands’ extension used for grazing; recoup of wetlands that were drying out to benefit cattle and their owners (Sajama National Park).

Improvement of the quality of animals for their subsequent sale as beef

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Refer to Schedule 9

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and/or wool; better prices more income. Improvement in the access to irrigation water, which results in better

production or the production of produce during the dry season, which is the livelihood of the families that live at the Sajhuaya Watershed “We harvest more products with a better size and better prices, we have more income. We take our produce 3 to 4 times a week” said a lady from Cebollullo - Sajhuaya.

An improvement in human relations, since there are no longer feuds for water (Tahuapalca, Cebollullo – Sajhuaya), through individual water faucets and access to the irrigation ditch; a better, more efficient use of water was achieved, notwithstanding the fact that people have a direct access at different times of day and they do not need to fight amongst them.

Due to more water availability for irrigation the community of Tahuapalca has decided to share a common land not yet used, close to the cemetery and each family has been granted 400 m2, to do farming.

There are also some Projects that have nothing to do with water such as the Centro de Interpretación Climática Ambiental (Environment and Climatic Interpretation) in Sajama. It involves the renovation of a great abandoned house that was built for a hotel and which is being used as an exhibition centre of the area and Climate Change. Its full use by the community is still to be defined.

To rely on the Adjustment Plan or Strategy as an instrument to negotiate with the municipality; a plan that has in fact been developed with the aid of the community people, and thus they feel connected to it.

A contribution to the weather and climate national systems, with new stations established to measure and evaluate weather; they have been transferred to the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology - SENAHMI.

4.2 Changes in knowledge, practices and attitudes Insofar as the acquisition of new knowledge and the adoption of new practices, we may mention:

Learning to use water and the many possible ways to make better and more efficient use thereof.

Learning about the perils of using chemicals and possible alternative products; trials of compost, organic and biological fertilizers.

The need to promote and encourage a better and more efficient use of water and its influence in day to day lives.

As a result of better and more efficient use of water, an increase in income. The acknowledgement and understanding of climate change by the

community members: “The sun burnt us, and we didn’t know why” said one of the community members. “The arrival of the engineers has opened our eyes”.

Among the women, several of them have a better understanding of the advantages to count on potable water close to home (It makes their work

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easier and their children are healthier”. An understanding of the importance of the wetlands and the need to take

care of them. From the acquisition of more knowledge, it is expected that many people will change their attitudes as they begin to assimilate what they have learned. 4.3 Levels of acceptance of the proposal and Adaptation Strategies

The Project has only two years; it is little time for everyone to assimilate all concepts; however, there are some elements that indicate that such process has begun:

Insofar as the means of livelihood of the people: they understand the importance of improving their access to water in order to improve their grazing and agricultural lands. There is greater awareness of the need to care for water sources and the wetlands as well as the management of water since their livelihoods depend thereon.

In relation to prior experiences: “Because it is a National Park, there is an ecologist view; however, we have learned about Climate Change in seminars in La Paz. We have to achieve a careful use of resources, as we do in the Vicuña Project” mentioned one of the authorities of Papel Pampa.

All of the people with whom we discussed Climate Change relate it to weather, although all of them have attended some courses, they use it in their own discourse.

The assimilation of knowledge related to their own experience, combining the ancestral and their own knowledge with a technical aspect. People understand technical explanations, since they have lived the consequences personally.

There are several community members who practice some of the suggestions that were given at training courses; as an example we may mention digging holes in the ground for garbage (Sajhuaya).

There has been an awareness and curiosity of many people: They want to learn about different irrigation systems and experiment.

Nevertheless there are some clues that the process obviously needs some more time:

There is always the concern that collective works are not always well taken care of.

According to some people interviewed, there is much more to be done insofar as training with authorities and constituents within the communities themselves.

As the Strategy/ Adjustment Plan has not yet been used as an impact instrument (Especially in Sajama) and since the Final Design Projects are still under construction, there is no practical experience of the use of such instruments in order to obtain concrete benefits for the communities; the

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impact in practice will have great influence in the assimilation and appropriation of the proposals.

4.4 Participation of the people (Men and women) within the process

There was an active participation in the Project’s activities as well as in community affairs as follows:

The people contributed to the manual labour for the construction of their hand water pumps, digging wells for the extraction of potable water.

In the case of community works, everybody contributed with manual labour to install the water pump and faucet in the school at Caripe and the community water pump in Caripe. At the Sajhuaya Watershed many people worked three or four times a week to develop the Projects.

In the case of some of the works that benefit only some of the community members, everyone pitched in the work (Irrigation works at Papel Pampa and Manasaya) regardless of the fact that many were not directly or personally benefited thereby.

Many men and women attended training course in La Paz, and participated in the exchange program between the two areas. Men are more prone to attend the activities that take place outside their communities, although we did talk to a woman that attended an activity in Sajama. Some couples divide their responsibilities; women attended and were part of the commission to define the Projects of the community while the man attended the training courses in La Paz. Anyway there is evidence that some course were held (Including the international event in Sajama).

All the decisions on the type of Pilot Project were made with the participation of the community, they granted their support, suggested where to establish them and who benefited there from. Community Projects were prioritized, such as the irrigation of the “Machaje” at Papel Pampa or the school at Caripe.

In Sajama there was a presence of up to 80% of the men and women in community meetings related to the Adjustment Plan.

As we may see further down, both areas have good levels of organization which summons the families, and both men and women take the floor to take common decisions.

It has to be noted that not all families have individually benefited from the Pilot Projects. In the case of Caripe, only 6 out of 34 families received individual water pumps and faucets for potable water; however the entire community benefitted from the water pumps and faucets established in the town and the school. Many have taken interest in similar works upon seeing these individual and collective Projects. 4.5 Vulnerability of women; the chacha-warmi relation and women’s

participation in decision making within the community

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Although the vulnerability of women depends on several factors (lack of access to land and assets, lack of availability of resources such as grazing lands or access to water, difficult access to water, multiple responsibilities in the productive and reproductive levels both in agriculture as well as in cattle breeding, lack of participation in decision making, having to respond to the multiple responsibilities of family issues in lieu of the husband who is absent) the Project has identified water as one of the most central and relevant issues that make women much more vulnerable. The Project has respected the existing chacha-warmi relation, which assumes the unity of the couple and the internal distribution of family roles (Usually women assumes the reproductive responsibilities; men and women have different roles and responsibilities insofar as the productive aspect; the man assumes the responsibilities outside the home and is the public figure of the family). During these past few years, since Mr. Evo Morales is the incumbent President the levels of empowerment and self-esteem of native, original, peasant and low-income people have increased notably and there has been a relevant change in the situation of women. Nowadays in Sajama the authority is accompanied by his wife and participates in most activities together: this is most noticeable in community meetings: they both listen to the problems of the people together and they both get to know their people and their problems. This has become common practice in these past few years On the other hand, since gender equality and alternation is a constitutional obligation for public representatives, municipal councils, deputies and senators of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the participation of women has soared in public posts and serves as an example for the younger generations. Specifically, at the community meetings to which we attended, the number of male and female participants was almost equal (31:32); the Tamani stood at the entrance with his wife, who participated in one of the debates; many of the women took the floor and we could see that there are some women leaders that have a real influence and power in the community; they speak out whenever they see fit. Many of them are fluent Spanish speakers. The Project has granted importance to women’s participation and they have benefitted there from. Since we believe that the most vulnerable players are the women insofar as the loss of glacier mass due to an eventual lack of water, the Projects that take into account potable water, maintenance of wetlands, and availability of water for faming are aimed at these issues. In both, Strategy/ Adjustment Plans, gender is a relevant issue in all levels. It does not only take into account the need to face problems for lack of water or the use thereof, but also the need to fortify the adjustment ability of women (and men) and the diversification of their economic activities. Under this light, the tourist and handcraft activities at Sajama are the means to achieve a diversification in their economies, and therefore make women more resilient to extreme changes or events in climate. Many people (Men and women) to whom we talked stated that

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training was very important for them and that such training should take place in their own communities, where women may also attend. Insofar as women, they are acquiring responsibility posts (As an example, the former young Deputy-Mayor of Sajama) and acquire more contact with the market, or simply manage to finish high school, the nature of the chacha-warmi relation will undoubtedly change. As a matter of fact, any gender study nowadays has to take ethnic, intercultural and class issues into account. However, where it is easier to facilitate a process of greater equality of opportunities –without harming anyone as Diakonia states- is in this kind of encouragement, which is paramount to favour women and practice an affirmative action. We must remember what the former Deputy Mayor said; there is no equality yet, many a times the claims and requests of women are ignored; women are not taken seriously and it is necessary to give them the needed support through workshops of self esteem and leadership. 4.6 Advancements in local organization status; relation between communal organization and municipal authorities The organizational structure in both areas are different; at the Sajhuaya Watershed, which was a former large ranch, the population is organized by agrarian unions for each community, several communities then become Union Sub Centrals, and the various Sub Central Unions make a Central Union , same as the organization structure of the Sole Union of Peasant Workers in Bolivia. In the case of the Sajama, the people have organized themselves as Ayllus; the base organizations are the communities and each is represented by an individual and his wife. In general the base organization in both cases is quite solid, and they both have plenty of expertise in issues which are relevant to each of them. For the specific work of this Project, the yearly change of authorities implies a new relationship with each authority each year, and many a times the incumbent authority does not necessarily have knowledge of the work being performed. Nevertheless, this practice allows different people and families to lead the affairs of the community assuming different posts and roles to climb up the ladder of leadership (Tak’i). As the study on Water Rights establishes, this means that many of the people of the community are aware of the rights related to water and can address the solutions thereto, and thus their knowledge is ample. Insofar as the intermediate organization, in this case the Sub Central at the Sajhuaya Watershed which deals with the issues of interest and problems of several communities, apparently functions well, regardless of any differences that may arise due to problems in the use of water for example. At the Sajama, the communities are organized by Ayllus, with their headquarters at Curahuara de Carangas. Some time ago, a Management Committee was organized which comprises of the community authorities, people from the National Protected Areas Service - SERNAP, and other individuals that work at the place such as Agua Sustentable,

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Yunta (Another NGO that works in the area) and others. At the time we visited the area, there was a problem in the midst of the Management Commission, due to differences among individuals and communities, “lack of courtesy” as the people call it. A couple of comments: On the one hand the Management Committee is by no means an organizational body of the communities, but a coordination of the entities that live or work in the area of the Sajama National Park.14 On the other hand, in order to face any long time crisis due to climate change, it is necessary to count on a solid organization with experience during regular times. It is unlikely that any of these technical support groups or coordination committees can comply with such purposes, therefore, a clear strategy of support towards the organization that is recognized and acknowledge as part of their structure in the community must be granted in order to fortify their capacities of response towards any long term and greater risk events. In any case, the coordination of the Project with SERNAP is quite positive and many of the forest rangers have collaborated with the manual labour of some of the community Projects. An interesting point in the study of the Mapping of Rights (Water) is that it identifies lower level conflicts as being useful to solve some problems and inequalities as long as they do not escalate to a critical level, where they would have an inverse, negative effect for the organizations and all the people involved. Insofar as the relationship between local organizations and their municipalities; it appears that Palca has closed ranks between the Sub Central and the communities on one hand, and the Mayor on the other. A public meeting was called for the presentation of the Adjustment Strategy, where the Mayor of Palca was present along with members of the communities; an initial agreement was made to adopt the Adjustment Strategy and partial funding of the Final Design Projects. According to some authorities of the sub Central in Tahuapalca that were consulted, they are waiting for the submission of such Projects to call a Grand Meeting to decide on the actions to take. Nevertheless, there is a conflict among the Sajama Municipality (Curahuara de Carangas, which is also the headquarters of the Ayllu), the National Park and the communities that belong to both instances. According to some studies performed by the Project, there is certain reluctance on the part of the Municipality to attend the needs of the communities that dwell within the Park, since they consider that the National Park has created other means of support to such communities. In any case, the ability to negotiate and impact which is supposedly to be gained in practice as part of the Project is still to be seen, an important step that remains

14

Comment made by Elena Villaroel at the workshop summoned to present the results of Agua Sustentable, Vienna Restaurant, august 28

th, 2012 (Topic: Mapping of rights).

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pending (Learning by practice) 4.6 Rights and the advancements achieved Rights, overall, must be applied in all walks of life, labour and development. The Adaptation Plan of Climate Change Project needs not to be different. The Project involves economic and social rights in response to the needs of the people on a very concrete basis; it has to help reduce their vulnerability. Cultural rights are also very present in a true respect of their visions and practices both for men and women. Political participation and decision making is one of the main aims of the Project. Environmental rights are also respected, in this specific case, the conservation of wetlands, snowed mountains and the rational use of water. The right to water is paramount to the Project. It may be that community members (male and female) are not that aware of their individual rights as such, however there is a basic notion of collective rights; water is a clear example. Nowadays there is a greater awareness in some people insofar as the elements that make them vulnerable, mainly insofar as Climate Change and how to cope with it; and maybe also in relation to the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources which are at their disposal. 4.7 Immediate results vs. long term impact. We must take the results of the intervention of a Project as a series of changes of the conditions in which we started the Project; identify where the most immediate results and the long term impact thereof are. All results are interconnected in a kind of chain. As an example: Potable water well will undoubtedly save women and children from walking long distances for water (Especially if it is too early or cold); it facilitates access to water and thus makes women’s daily labours less strenuous. Nevertheless, such well is also an instrument that creates awareness on the need of the efficient use of water, and women’s rights. There are some results that can be felt on health and the development of all family members; they practice the suggestions made. If there is greater awareness in relation to water as a natural resource within the context of the Project, we can be sure there is awareness on climate change; there is greater resilience and a greater capacity of response. The impact on a long term basis is clearly shown (Although we must later assess such impact on an individual family basis):

Changes/improvement in the quality of life of the people pursuant to better income.

Better savings capacity (Farm animals) or the diversification of income sources.

An improvement in family relations or among communities due to a better

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and more efficient use of water, which translates into a collective benefit. An increase in land available for farming which is shared by all families

based on better canalization of irrigation waters. The acquisition of more knowledge closely related to individual and

collective experience. Awareness on the use of water within a climate change context;

understanding of the importance of wetlands and water sources and the need to look after them.

A greater capacity in the participation of women; improved self esteem. A greater resilience in women, couples and the family as a whole in possible

extreme events and crisis. Better capacity to respond thereto. The fortification of communal organization on an intermediate level; the

ability to represent the will of the people and achieve better results through impact.

4.8 Results and sustainability Although impact, appropriation and sustainability are closely linked together, the elements of the work performed which aim at sustainability throughout time in this specific case are: (Once again, here we have different levels of progress):

Production has improved; people are more willing to protect the advancements made with water management.

When the information granted is shared with other people from different communities, there are better chances of sustainability through time.

The levels of appropriation of new knowledge which supplement the already acquired ancestral knowledge; the relevance of the issues for the people; Learning by practice. Change in attitudes usually takes longer.

The appropriation of the proposals when people feel it is their doing, and therefore they defend it.

A social cohesion in the communities, including the participation of women in communal decision making; a greater participation of women.

Once the base and intermediate organizations have assumed the careful and efficient management of water as a response to climate change; once communal organization and intermediate stages have fortified through experience and impact in practice over Strategy and Adjustment and the final Design Projects, the collective commitment is fortified. The levels of mobilization achieved based on the proposal shows the interest people have.

4.9 In relation to major objectives and proposed results

Although we have so far identified the results of the Project from different perspectives, if we look back at the main purpose of the Project and the results that were expected, we may make a small balance in relation to the proposals. The main objective was:

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To implement a participative strategy for Adapting to Climate Change and the effects thereof, with an emphasis on the retraction of the tropical glaciers in Bolivia at the Sajama National Park and the Sajhuaya Watershed with an impact on the municipalities of Turco, Curahuara de Carangas and Palca, promoting the sustainability of production systems, potable water systems and the environment, based on the acquisition of knowledge, the design and/or implementation of specific Projects of adjustment and the construction of public policies on a local and national levels.

As we have seen, a model Project has been followed where the objectives established include, among others, the implementation of Pilot Projects; these have been aimed at achieving a better and more efficient management of water both for human consumption as well as for irrigation, against an existing vulnerability in both work areas and the little or no response of the families vis a vis possible future risks related to Climate Change. A second element are the academic studies that allow a better understanding of climate change throughout time and the projection of possible future scenarios in both work areas. The thawing of the glaciers has been constantly followed as well as the climate changes and the effects thereof on the local population, parallel to this; a training program has been implemented with community members as well as an exchange program between both work areas. Therefore, we have the adjustment strategies and/or plans which were made with the participation of the population by collecting input and returning it to the people for their validation. They incorporate the main results of the studies and the Projection of foreseen scenarios, which are focused on the ways that the population may face climate change under better conditions. They become an instrument for their future relevance on a municipal level as well as other instances of the local organizations, both base as well intermediate levels. Part of the work related to the plans/strategies is the construction of some Final Design Projects, specially related to basins, micro-basins or watersheds, which will serve to obtain concrete support for these areas in the near future. We have analyzed the results of the Project and the sustainability thereof as well as the eventual impact it may have; nevertheless, we must point out that two years is too little time. At the Illimani area, where previous studies had been made, we were able to advance our work to the point of creating an Adjustment Strategy, but we were not able to draft the Final Design Projects; this will require a collective effort with the communities in order to achieve any support. At Sajama, where there was no previous work of the institution done, we were able to realize the Pilot Projects and almost finish with the studies; the general terms of the Adjustment Plan have been agreed upon as well as that of the Final Design Projects, however the implementation of these activities is still pending. Insofar as contribution to the construction of public policies, there have been some advances and the will of the Municipality of Palca. Insofar as Curahuara de Carangas we have to achieve a

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coordinated work for impact with the pressure of the communities of the Sajama National Park in order to create awareness in the Municipality. Finally, we believe that the model Project of adjustment proposed is valid, but we still have to finish the process as a whole. It is understood that up to the conclusion of the Project further advances will be made in relation to the activities that are still pending. The Project, on the other hand, was aimed at the following results:

Result 1: The generation of a multidisciplinary knowledge through the integration of social and natural sciences, traditional customs and uses and the perspectives of the legislators in order to determine the climate-glacier-water relation and its dependence upon climate change in two different areas which are dependent of tropical glaciers, and determine the differentiated vulnerability as well as the resilience of the women, men and children, specially insofar as the use and availability of water Result 2: Adaptation plans aimed at the technical and social feasibility and equality of gender have been drafted and their implementation has been supported through specific Pilot Projects and other full scale Projects.

Result 3: Based on the results and lessons learned, a framework to evaluate the Differentiated Vulnerability and Adaptation Actions have been established for the two study areas, with other Andean areas in mind, so that they may be amply socialized on a local, national and international levels to promote the strengthening of the State through public policies according to the needs and realities of each community.

The foregoing results take into account some of the products that the Project must show. The construction of knowledge, adjustment plans, specific Pilot Projects and the Final Design Projects as well as the validation of a work framework or model in the areas affected by the defrosting of glaciers, identification of the level of vulnerability of men and women and positive results in relation to the resilience of the population in both areas. Some important activities of the Project have not yet been finished, and with the different advancements in both areas it is yet impossible to show any final results; mainly insofar as the impact and its effect in obtaining public policies on a municipal level. Nevertheless, once the experience has been finished a more sustainable work of spreading the model in different demographics may be achieved. 5. About the process: results As we have previously seen in the last part, the complete proposal of the Project is still under execution. Although Agua Sustentable has already been working at the Illimani Area for a longer time (In other prior Projects), the process at Sajama has

22


been ongoing only for two years. We still need to produce the final and validated the Adaptation Plan for Sajama as well as the final Design Projects to be finished and adopted by local organizations in both places; then we may start with a mobilization and impact process so that the policies are adopted and implanted by both municipalities Up to the moment of this evaluation, the most important results could be the change in the life style and the increase of income of the people in the areas based on the Pilot Projects. What have we learned from these Pilot Projects? They are low cost and together with the Final Design Projects (Only design) represent 20% of the original budget.15 This model depends on a combination of research as well some practical Projects. Where is the balance point? In a meeting with people from Agua Sustentable, we discussed the need of a better balance in favor of Pilot Projects (As a matter of fact the current Project had a definite inkling towards investigation and research based on the interest of the financer NCF/NDF). The fact that it would also be important to warrant that the studies should focus more on Climate Change and to find better and simpler ways (Different format) to submit the results of such studies. It might be relevant to discuss the nature of the research to be performed in the near future: Scientific, Academic or Applied Research. Since we are dealing with basic needs such as water for family consumption as well as for irrigation, which affects the livelihood of such families and their income, all Projects related to water are very welcomed and are closely related to Climate Change. Furthermore, the Adaptation Strategy will serve as an instrument to seek consensus among people, for planning, mobilizing and achieving results in awareness and more knowledge of the people. One of the aspects of the proposal which is of particular relevance is the impact and the ability to persuade and influence public policies. The Political Impact strategy prepared by Roxana Castellón16 is a useful document that explains and defines the strategies that were adopted on this matter by Agua Sustentable and the Project. It considers that there is a vacuum in public policies that deal with the adaptation to Climate Change: although it is a good document on policies (The National mechanism of Adaptation to Climate change) the responsibility on the matter is divided between two ministries, none of which takes full responsibility thereof: this obviously hinders the possibility to succeed in the quest for the State to take full responsibility on the matter. Therefore, at the time it would be best to focus on the municipal level and in such level be able to succeed in having them adopt policies related to adaptation to Climate Change which 15

Refer to Schedule 9, Pilot Works of Adjustment at the Sajama National Park and the Sajhuaya Watershed; drafted by Diakonia. At Sajama the supported projects had a cost of $US50.251 and in Sajhuaya, $US42.977. Agua Sustentable stated that there were other contributions made from the Pilot projects budget (personnel, operative expenses, studies, etc.), which would increase the percentage of the budgets spent in these projects. 16

Strategy in the Political Impact: Fortification, Resilience to climate risks in communities depending on glaciers;

Agua Sustentable, Christian Aid (No date)

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relevant for each area. To the extent that there is a Municipal Public Policy, the affected population will have the concrete support which will imply more resilience and a reduction of vulnerability. This process implies the participation of the people and their organizations in the diagnosis and identification of priorities and the roads to be taken for proper impact. It also contemplates the creation of a network of close allies who may improve the impact process. Therefore, the proposal takes into account the mobilization of people and community organizations and those of intermediate levels. It also includes the construction of allies to support the impact process. The participation of the people in the process is of outmost importance both for the allocation of the Plan/Strategy at municipal levels and organic letters, as well as for the obtainment of funding for the Final Design Projects. Furthermore, this participative process will fortify different aspects of the Project: the resilience of people through better knowledge and arguments related to Climate Change: the appropriation of this problem by the people, the fortification of their base and intermediate organizations and the achievement of concrete results for the population in the near future. The Impact stage is therefore, fundamental for the consolidation of the proposal. The “model” with its different steps and elements, which combines research with practical and useful Projects, is innovative since very few local organizations have given so much relevance to research in these past few years. How to contain and direct the contents of the research towards the objectives and aims established, while contributing to the knowledge necessary for the best possible adjustment to climate change? Once the model has been validated as such, (and it is going that way) it needs to be broadcasted and socialized in a greater scale; of course it has great possibilities to be replicated in other parts of the Andes.

For the two institutions involved, the Project has provided many possibilities for learning. Insofar as Diakonia in Bolivia, it is not only the first time it gets involved in Projects related to Climate Change, but also it has radically changed its relation with the Project in the extent it assumed more responsibilities with its financer, Nordic Climate Facility; it directly participated in some of the responsibilities thereof (Management among others). For Diakonia the issues of gender and human rights are very important, and this Project has granted them the opportunity to see how these issuers evolve on a transversal manner to the climate adaptation issue. Insofar as Agua Sustentable, it probably meant closer ties to the agency in comparison to other Projects, mainly the administrative part and the need to show efficiency in the work, departing from prior relations based on strategic orientation. Nevertheless, a good collaboration has been obtained between both institutions, the Project has been highly acknowledged by the NCF/NDF, who has considered it their best Project worldwide; furthermore, a co-finance has been obtained for the Project with other funding agencies (Christian Aid and COSUDE). Regardless of the differences, an innovative Project has been achieved, which is capable of becoming a model for other experiences in the near future. As a joint cooperation between the financer and the local agency, regardless of the difficulties currently

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existing for financing, it has been very positive. However, the model by its very nature has created some tensions. There is a central multitask team of those permanently employed and those that have been retained on an eventual basis, especially to perform some of the studies. What were the effects thereof in regards to the work orientation? As an example, a researcher has very definite purposes for its field trips, which may not necessarily have anything to do with the objectives that are been sought in the work areas. In general, the comments from those interviewed were positive in regards to the visits made by the engineers. How were these visits useful to benefit local people? Up to what point are those people involved in the research part of the team of Agua Sustentable? To what point has a true (unique) multitasks team been obtained? How to warrant that both the personnel of the office as well as the people that perform field work have one single vision? Finally, some minor observations. On the one hand, a detailed Data Base Line work has been performed, which was later used only as a point of reference in relation to indicators. There are no studies that compare the findings at the beginning of the Project with the achievements throughout time. It may be necessary to reflect on these types of work and their usefulness and their validity as instruments. On the other hand, the system required for the submission of reports, tends to inform on activities and not results. Regardless of the requirements of the financers, there should be a simple system to inform on the results and changes that were achieved with the Project to be handled by all people involved. 6. Conclusions The loss of glacier mass in the tropical glaciers has been occurring these past 25 years, with a current loss of approximately 20%. The areas close to the snowed mountains are being benefitted by this defrosting, mainly at the beginning of summer when temperatures raise. The Projected models of the climate confirm a tendency in temperature increase, greater transpiration-vaporization and a not so clear situation insofar as rainfall. In fact, these changes do not only affect the agricultural production and cattle breeding conditions in the Altiplano, but also question the true understanding and the relation of the people with their own reality, they feel disoriented.17 The levels of vulnerability already existing in the Bolivian Altiplano may indeed exacerbate with Climate Change if the people are not ready to face these changes. Nevertheless, the greater availability of water which has been happening lately is not necessarily being well capitalized by the people of these areas; this is the main challenge for the work to be performed in these areas. Adjustment measures per se, do help to replenish the balance in the

17

In the anthropology study Management of Water Resources and Climate Change in the Illimani River Basin: Anthropological characteristics, (September 2009), Daniel Terán V. Describes the order given by weather to the farming cycle and life: this order was disturbed.

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lives of the people and contribute for a change in their way of thinking and to better adjust to climate change. The small water Projects related to irrigation, which are part of the main Project, serve not only as a means to warrant an improvement in the quality of the lives of the people through an improvement of their productive systems, but also help to bring awareness on climate change, the rational use of water and to improve the resilience levels of those vulnerable populations in both men and women. Water is a basic necessity of the people and provides a great “entrance” into the communities, with clear, close links to climate change. One of the conclusions reached in the assessment comes to no surprise. Any Project involved with Climate Change must have its feet well inside the usual principles of development; the needs and rights of the people and the response thereof are still the same. The individual and collective ability of the people to face critical situations stresses the need of the importance to count on a strong local organization. The gender relation must also be taken into account and look for an ever growing inclusion of women in decision making. Half of this report has focused on the results found in both of the work areas of the Project from a series of different perspectives. It is necessary to say, at this point, that the Project has managed –on a sustainable manner- to respond to the needs of the people, especially women, and thus has reduced the vulnerability they have when faced with situations of peril which may come with Climate Change. The proposal, with its elements of research on an ample array of topics, the concrete Projects in the communities that respond to the needs of the people, the construction of an Adjustment Strategy to Climate Change, the use of those strategies as an instrument of impact and the impact of the communities to obtain the adoption of local public policies which will have direct, concrete benefits for them is well conceived. We have seen through this report, that given the importance of a solid and strong organization to face a situation in the near future, it is necessary to warrant actions and procedures that tend to fortify such organization, mainly at the base level, which is the community. The importance given to the different elements of the work at the end depends of several factors: the importance given by the financer to each of the elements, the interest or need existing to respond to the demands of adjustment, institutional preferences, etc. Therefore there is no script to define the relative importance of each element (Research, Concrete Projects, etc). Although the current Project has had a preference towards research, it is always wise to bear in mind that the support given to the people of the area has an important place in the final equation. Also debate once again the main theme of the nature of the research: Academic, research, applied research or Research-action? Once the process of the Project is over, and having obtained advancements in the impact at local instances, the broadcasting and socialization of the model may be

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considered as a whole in other places. Also, it would be wise to keep this Adjustment Plan in a national level agenda, and seek for ways to involve the different players of the State in the discussion of the matter, since at the end it will be necessary to make the issue of Climate Change a full responsibility of this level. The proposal of the Adjustments to Climate Change in Andean Communities that Depend on Tropical Glaciers of Agua Sustentable and Diakonia is innovative. The model as such requires more time to be validated as a whole; however, there have been important advancements so far. If we think of creating greater levels of awareness, a change of attitude, the empowerment of the people, especially women and the influence exerted in public policies, then two years, are not nearly enough to obtain such goals. 7. Suggestions Therefore, after this small appraisal with the participation of the people of both teams, the following is suggested:

The model developed with the Project is useful for other cases where the objective is to decrease vulnerability vis a vis climate change. A next step would be the broadcasting of the model for Adjustment to Climate Change both in the country as well as abroad. We must also see how to influence national public policies with this model.

Obtain a greater balance between the different parts of the work, with innovative contributions through research, but also through a more continuous presence in the field with concrete benefits for the people. Projects that deal with water have a clear link with Climate Change, thus their effect goes beyond an immediate benefit of access to water. On the other hand, the training of people, the development of capacities and the fortification of their base organization have to be reinforced.

Funding must be achieved for a longer span of time than two years; there are some important steps missing such as the impact and the influence on public, local policies which have only been covered partially thus far.

Finally, the appraiser, wants to thank the contribution and input of the people in both teams that partook of the evaluation and congratulate them on their work. I specially want to thank the people that accompanied me in the visits to the communities of both areas, which allowed me to take a pulse of the Project.____ I, Julio Caballero Eyzaguirre a qualified translator registered before the US Embassy at La Paz, Bolivia hereby certify that the foregoing translation has been performed truthfully, accurately and to the best of my knowledge ____