Donating To Bolivia's Amazon: How To Help Fight The Fires

The Amazon rainforest in Bolivia is burning at an alarming rate, threatening the lives and livelihoods of the 34 million people and 420 indigenous tribes that call it home. The fires have been caused by a combination of factors, including drought, high temperatures, and human activity such as burning garbage and 'chaqueo', a technique used to clean land for planting or recover grasslands for livestock feed. As a result, millions of acres of pristine forests have been lost, along with the flora and fauna that depend on them. The Bolivian government has declared a ''disaster emergency' to facilitate collaboration with the national government and combat the fires. You can help by donating to organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund's Emergency Fund for Amazon Fires, which provides critical resources to local civil society organizations that work with indigenous peoples and local communities to protect the Amazon.

Donate to organisations that fight for sustainability

The Amazon rainforest is a vital ecosystem, home to over 350 groups of indigenous peoples and billions of animals. In recent years, it has been ravaged by fires, with a record number of blazes reported in 2019. The fires have been fuelled by soaring deforestation rates, illegal burning, and dry weather conditions. As a result, millions of acres of pristine forests have been destroyed, leading to wildlife loss, school and facility closures, flight cancellations, and mass evacuations.

To combat these fires and promote sustainability, several organisations have launched fundraising campaigns and initiatives. Here are some ways you can donate and support their efforts:

Amazon Conservation Association

The Amazon Conservation Association works closely with local governments, communities, and the army in Bolivia to mitigate fire risk. They provide technical training and equipment to local fire brigades, who are often underfunded and lack access to basic resources. You can support their on-the-ground fire prevention and response efforts by donating directly through their website.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

WWF formed an emergency fund to provide critical resources to local civil society organisations that represent and work with indigenous peoples and local communities to protect the Amazon. The funds are used for activities such as supporting local communities, fire hazard monitoring, direct response to fires, and developing post-fire recovery plans. You can donate to WWF through their website, ensuring that 100% of your donation goes directly to partners working on fire response and recovery.

Environmental Non-Profit Organisations

There are several environmental non-profit organisations dedicated to promoting sustainability and protecting the environment. Here are a few notable ones:

• Union of Concerned Scientists: This organisation uses science and advocacy to address pressing environmental and social issues. They have a network of nearly 17,000 scientists and are recognised for their environmental advocacy. You can donate directly through their website.
• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): NRDC combines grassroots power with legal expertise to protect the environment and develop sustainability initiatives. They offer "green gifts", where your donation results in a gift card describing the action it supports, such as "adopt a wolf in Yellowstone". You can donate and explore their initiatives on their website.
• Environmental Working Group (EWG): EWG is known for its research and advocacy related to toxic chemicals, sustainable agricultural practices, and corporate accountability. They are currently running a matching campaign, where monetary gifts will be doubled. You can donate and learn more about their work on their website.
• Rainforest Alliance: The Rainforest Alliance works to protect forest communities and farmers' rights by promoting sustainable land management practices. They also provide consumer and traveller information to help steward biodiverse and critical habitats. You can donate and learn more about their projects on their website.

Remember to research and familiarise yourself with the mission, transparency, ratings, and achievements of each organisation before donating. Your support will help protect the Amazon rainforest and promote sustainability globally.

Support local communities and indigenous organisations

The Amazon rainforest in Bolivia is home to over 350 groups of indigenous peoples, some of whom live in voluntary isolation. The fires in the Amazon have caused serious social, economic, and public health problems for many of its inhabitants. As local communities lost their homes, land, and livelihoods to the flames, it is important to support local communities and indigenous organisations. Here are some ways to do that:

Support Organisations Working with Indigenous Communities

You can donate to organisations that are working directly with indigenous communities in the Amazon. For example, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has an emergency fund for Amazon fires, which supports local civil society organisations that represent and work with indigenous peoples and local communities to protect the Amazon. Another example is the Amazon Conservation Association, which helps local governments, communities, and the army in Bolivia to mitigate fire risk by providing technical training and equipment to local fire brigades.

Support Indigenous-Led Conservation

Some organisations, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society in Bolivia, work collaboratively with indigenous communities to conserve biodiversity. By supporting these types of organisations, you can help promote indigenous-led conservation initiatives that respect the rights and knowledge of indigenous peoples.

Support Indigenous Political Representation and Empowerment

Indigenous peoples in Bolivia have historically faced marginalisation and a lack of representation in politics and decision-making processes. Supporting organisations that promote indigenous political representation and empowerment can help address these issues. For example, the 2011 Indigenous march from the Amazon plains to the country's capital, La Paz, against a government plan to build a highway through a national park in indigenous territory, gained national attention and successfully halted the project.

Support Indigenous Women's Empowerment

Indigenous women in Bolivia have faced discrimination and insults due to their distinct dress and cultural identity. However, in recent decades, increasing numbers of indigenous women have migrated to urban areas, finding employment and gaining political and social empowerment. Supporting organisations that promote indigenous women's empowerment can help address the discrimination they face and promote their inclusion in society.

Support Legal and Policy Changes

Indigenous peoples in Bolivia have made significant strides in gaining legal recognition and political representation through social and political mobilisation. However, they still face challenges, especially regarding land rights, environmental destruction, and the extraction of natural resources. Supporting organisations that advocate for legal and policy changes that protect the rights and interests of indigenous peoples can help address these ongoing challenges.

Provide funding for fire hazard monitoring

The Amazon rainforest is home to over 350 groups of indigenous peoples, some of whom live in voluntary isolation. The rainforest is also home to billions of animals and around 10% of all known species. The Amazon is critical to the health of everyone on Earth.

The Amazon Conservation Association has developed a real-time Amazon Fires Monitoring app, which documented over 260 major fires across the Amazon during last year's fire season, impacting millions of acres of pristine forests.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has also formed an emergency fund to drive critical resources to people at the front lines of the dramatic fires. The fund will be directed to a range of activities, including fire hazard monitoring in areas of risk.

You can donate to the Amazon Conservation Association and WWF to support their fire hazard monitoring efforts. Additionally, you can support local communities and municipalities' firefighting teams, as they are often extremely underfunded and cannot fight these fires alone.

• Donate to organizations like the Amazon Conservation Association and WWF that are working to prevent and combat fires in the Amazon.
• Support local fire brigades by providing them with much-needed firefighting supplies and safety gear.
• Promote fire-free development and education programs to prevent future fires.
• Spread awareness about the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest and its irreplaceable forests.

Help fund advocacy efforts and political lobbyists

Political lobbying and advocacy efforts are essential to address the root causes of the fires in the Bolivian Amazon and to push for systemic change. By funding these endeavours, you can help support long-term solutions to protect the Amazon and its indigenous communities. Here are some ways to help fund advocacy efforts and political lobbyists:

Support Organisations Working with Indigenous Communities:

Amazon Watch, an advocacy nonprofit, collects donations through Facebook Fundraisers to support indigenous communities' advocacy efforts in Brazil. They work to change destructive environmental policies and push for better environmental enforcement. Similarly, the WWF Emergency Fund for Amazon Fires directs donations to local civil society organisations representing and working with indigenous peoples to protect the Amazon. You can donate to these organisations to strengthen their advocacy efforts and political lobbying.

Fund Research and Education:

Advocacy groups often use donations for research and education initiatives. For example, Amazon Watch directs funds towards research to expose destructive environmental policies. Additionally, supporting fire-free development and education programs can help prevent future fires and foster a deeper understanding of the issues among local communities.

Encourage Corporate Responsibility:

Large corporations, especially those involved in agriculture and soybean exports, have a significant impact on deforestation and the fires in the Amazon. By urging these companies to adopt sustainable practices and deforestation-free sourcing commitments, you can help reduce the risk of fires. You can also support organisations that work with the private sector to promote environmentally conscious supply chains.

Promote International Cooperation:

The Amazon spans multiple countries, and international cooperation is vital to its protection. You can advocate for sustained commitment from donors and governments worldwide to support organisations working to conserve the Amazon's forests and rivers. Additionally, encourage collaboration between governments and local organisations to develop and implement effective environmental policies.

Raise Awareness and Build Public Support:

Spreading awareness about the Amazon fires and their underlying causes is crucial. Use your social media platforms and personal networks to educate others and build public support for advocacy efforts. A strong public mandate can influence policymakers and encourage them to prioritise the protection of the Amazon.

By donating and supporting these initiatives, you can help fund advocacy efforts and political lobbyists working to address the complex issues surrounding the Bolivian Amazon fires. Remember, systemic change involves addressing the root causes of the fires, advocating for indigenous communities, and pushing for sustainable practices on a global scale.

Donate to groups working directly with indigenous people

Donating to groups working directly with indigenous people is a great way to help those affected by the Bolivia Amazon fire. Here are some organizations you can consider donating to:

Amazon Watch

Amazon Watch is a nonprofit organization with over 28 years of experience protecting the Amazon rainforest and defending the rights and territories of Indigenous peoples. They work in solidarity with Indigenous communities and advocate for urgent action to protect the Amazon, defend its defenders, and advance climate justice. Your donation will help support their campaigns for human rights, corporate accountability, and the preservation of the Amazon's ecological systems.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

WWF has established an Emergency Fund for Amazon Fires to drive critical resources to those on the front lines of the fires. 100% of your donation will go directly to partners on the ground, including local civil society organizations that represent and work with indigenous peoples and local communities to protect the Amazon. The funds will be used for fire hazard monitoring, direct response to fires, supporting the health and security of indigenous communities, and developing post-fire recovery plans.

Rainforest Alliance and Rainforest Foundation Norway

These organizations are among the top trending fundraisers on Facebook for the Amazon fires. They work to protect the Amazon rainforest and support indigenous communities affected by the fires. By donating to these organizations, you can help provide much-needed resources and support for those on the front lines of this environmental disaster.

Brazil and Bolivia's Indigenous Confederations (COIAB and CODIB)

Donating directly to these confederations will ensure that your support reaches the communities and parks affected by the fires in Bolivia and Brazil. Your donations will help bring materials to stop the fires and provide humanitarian aid to the indigenous communities impacted by the devastation.

Remember to research and choose organizations that align with your values and that have a track record of effective work in the region. Your donations can make a significant difference in supporting the Indigenous communities affected by the Bolivia Amazon fire.

Frequently asked questions