Territories, communities, and villages progressing towards the aspiration of Vivir Bien, a concept that embodies living well and harmoniously.
In the heart of Bolivia, the Diversity Network has been a beacon of change since its inception. Born in Tarija in 2006, the Network marked the beginning of a new era, leading to the establishment of Sipas Tambo - Diversity Network in Sucre in 2009. Fast forward to 1995, and Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network was established as a community and neighbourhood cultural centre in the city of El Alto, La Paz department.
Throughout its journey, Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network has been a voice for the communities, territories, and people who fight, resist, and reexist in their spaces, nurturing and defending life, water, land, forests, and showing paths towards Living Well. The Network's efforts have been instrumental in fostering dialogue about mining activities, raw material exploitation, and their impacts on communities and the environment.
However, a recent development has raised questions. In 2024, the Indigenous Community Media Fund, a global initiative supporting Indigenous communication projects, announced grants totaling $480,000 to 57 projects in 25 countries. While Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network was not explicitly mentioned in the grant announcements, the Fund focused on strengthening Indigenous media infrastructure, providing training in journalism and technical skills, and supporting Indigenous radio stations and visual storytelling.
Despite the absence of Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network in the explicit listings, it is not uncommon for such large-scale initiatives to have recipients that are not publicly announced until later. However, a thorough search did not yield any designated listing of all 57 recipients that includes Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network.
It is essential to note that while Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network was not confirmed as a recipient of the 2024 Indigenous Community Media Fund, the Network has a rich history of receiving support. In 2002, Wayna Tambo launched its own intercultural radio station, and in 2018, it implemented the digital newspaper "The Walls" and consolidated the Wayna Tambo YouTube channel.
The mining sector in Bolivia, along with Chile and Argentina, is part of the Lithium Triangle. This sector, according to Aurelia, is composed of criminals, private entrepreneurs, and transnational private companies, causing destruction to communities without an adequate response from the state. The problem remains uncertain, and a major dialogue about what mining means, the composition of the mining sector, the zones to be sacrificed, and the health consequences of mining contamination is necessary, according to Aurelia.
Despite the challenges, Mary Luz from the Totoral Chico community expressed her determination to continue fighting for a peaceful and dignified life. Her message, an echo of her voice, was meant to be heard in Bolivia and throughout the world.
In conclusion, while there is no confirmed grant from the 2024 Indigenous Community Media Fund specifically awarded to Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network, the Network's history of receiving support and its ongoing efforts in fostering dialogue about mining activities make it an essential player in Bolivia's Indigenous community media landscape. For confirmation or further details, contacting the administering body of the Indigenous Community Media Fund or Wayna Tambo directly would be necessary.
References:
[1] Indigenous Community Media Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indigenousfunders.org/indigenous-community-media-fund
[2] Indigenous Community Media Fund announces 2024 grants. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.indigenousfunders.org/indigenous-community-media-fund-announces-2024-grants
[3] Wayna Tambo - Diversity Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.waynatambo.org/
[4] Indigenous Community Media Fund announces 2024-25 funding opportunities. (2024). Retrieved from https://www.indigenousfunders.org/indigenous-community-media-fund-announces-2024-25-funding-opportunities
[5] Indigenous Research Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indigenousresearchnetwork.org/
- The Diversity Network, with its branches in Tarija, Sucre, and El Alto, has been a leader in fostering discussions about lifestyle, relationships, and the environment, advocating for communities and showing paths towards 'Living Well'.
- The Network's work extends to various fields, including fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and pets, as shown by the launch of its intercultural radio station in 2002 and the digital newspaper "The Walls" in 2018.
- In the realm of personal-growth and education-and-self-development, the Network has made strides, consolidating the Wayna Tambo YouTube channel for online learning and dialogue.
- The Network's focus on careers and economics is evident in its activism against the mining sector, condemning the destruction caused by criminal elements, private entrepreneurs, and transnational companies.
- Travelers visiting Bolivia can learn about the Network's efforts and the mining issue by visiting Wayna Tambo's official website or by reaching out to them directly for a firsthand account.
- Shopping for unique artisanal products from Bolivia supports the Network's work, contributing to the improvement of communities and the promotion of sustainable practices.
- As the mining sector remains a controversial topic, sports enthusiasts can find solace in the country's vibrant athletic culture, from football to tennis, while weather reports provide updates on the ever-changing Andean climate.
