Climate Research, Environmental Research and Environmental Education

The host organization is a non-profit foundation based in Cochabamba, Bolivia, founded in 2006 by 14 young university graduates in the field of environmental technology. They see their task as studying the fragile interaction between humans and nature to develop sustainable techniques and technologies that meet the needs of Bolivian society in an environmentally friendly way. Since 2008, Bolivian and foreign students and professionals have been integrated into the teams as part of internships or volunteering. These are particularly active in the fields of environmental education and research.

The environmental education activities aim to raise awareness and inform people about environmental issues so that they can make better decisions and ideally change their behavior positively in favor of the environment. Research aims to apply scientific methods and techniques from natural and social sciences to draw conclusions that can be implemented as practical solutions for the environment and society of Bolivia. The main focus areas are climate change, socioeconomic evaluations, and ecology in agricultural practices. The organization operates in places such as schools, community centers, cultural centers, etc.

On the alternative radio station "Lachiwana," the organization has airtime available. Interns and volunteers can research environmental topics of current interest and develop program content for the broadcast of "Lachiwana Verde" on the radio frequency whish airs in Cochabamba and other parts of Bolivia.

A campaign in the field of environmental education that the organization has been conducting three times a year since 2006 is the "Day of the Pedestrian." It includes creative activities for children and adults, addressing a different topic each time, such as the environmental problems of the Madidi National Park, the perception of climate change among the rural population of Bolivia, or recycling. The "Manzanas Verdes" (Green Apples) campaign focuses on raising awareness on topics such as energy saving, water, and waste in collaboration with Cochabamba's four cultural centers. Artistic activities are implemented on the topics, films are shown, and neighborhood cleanup campaigns are carried out.

Since 2011, 10 groups of high school environmental leaders have been trained, and projects are developed with them on how to carry out environmentally relevant actions within their schools and communities.

The organization based in Cochabamba collaborates with partners such as Hábitat Para La Humanidad Bolivia, the Faculty of Forestry of Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSA), the Environmental Engineering Student Center of the Bolivian Catholic University (UCB), and Cordillera University. Through this collaboration, current research topics are continually developed.

The organization has researched the perception of climate change in 43 communities across 5 departments in Bolivia, resulting in the documentation "The Weather is Getting Tired" (El tiempo se está cansando). In 2011, the organization evaluated state policies for the prevention and mitigation of climate change in three Bolivian cities. Another project consisted of creating a timeline using geological data to show temperature changes throughout history. For COP26, the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the foundation prepared the report and strategies on how Bolivia can achieve its climate goals.

A further area of research of Gaia Pacha is the socio-economic impact studies of agricultural practices. The organization studied the impact of quinoa production in Colchak'a Oruro. A current research project evaluates the socioeconomic and ecological impact of soybean production in Santa Cruz. This involves assessing soil and water quality, the efficiency of technologies used in cultivation, and the impact of soybean cultivation on local biodiversity.

Your tasks as an intern or volunteer

Before your internship or volunteer assignment, the organization will discuss in detail how you can contribute. You can participate in ongoing research projects, conducting secondary research (analysis of reports, news, literature, etc.) and primary research (data collection and analysis), and write reports or contribute to sections of reports. Suitable fields of study for such research projects include geology, biology, international climate policy, and development.

You can also participate in environmental education programs, supporting or leading activities such as workshops, exhibitions, campaigns, and lectures. You collect contents, develop methods for environmental education, and prepare teaching materials such as presentations, brochures, flyers, blogs, social media content, and website content. For environmental education, the usual working hours are Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Approximately 40% of the activity involves office tasks at the foundation, and 60% takes place outside the office.