Plataforma Boliviana Frente al Cambio Climático (PBFCC)

PBFCC is a Bolivian platform that groups social organizations and NGOs around climate justice. Based on the concept of 'buen vivir', the platform mainly insists on an effective approach to climate change with respect for the limits of nature and the well-being of the population. 

Climate Justice 

The platform serves as a consultation platform between the various organisations, to question the 'business-as-usual' approach to the climate problem and to develop alternative policy measures. A real approach to the climate problem goes hand in hand with social justice, and responds to the real needs of local communities. It includes decisions on the preservation of the Amazon rainforest, the fight against illegal gold mining, the halting of oil extraction projects, the promotion of renewable energy, the management of water resources and better water use, the upgrading of ecological agriculture and local production, etc. Together with the organisations that are part of the platform, it raises awareness among population groups in rural areas and in cities about the impact and the approach to climate change through public debate, campaigns, training activities and various initiatives.   

The PBFCC strengthens grassroots organizations, communities and leaders, with special attention to women leaders and their organizations. In this way, they support the alliance of indigenous women. In regions where local communities are affected by large-scale investment projects – which affect the environment and the basis of survival – they advocate together with the communities for better conditions and/or for alternatives.  

International cooperation 

The platform works together with movements in other countries in the region, and on other continents. This is particularly important to influence the international climate agenda, around the proposals and agreements that are made in response to the Paris Agreement, for the international approach to the climate crisis. The international climate justice movement advocates for real, structural change, the 'system change'. It tries to push through effective measures, instead of what they label as 'band-aids' and 'false solutions' (biofuels, carbon market etc.). Through the international agenda, the PBCC also puts pressure on the Bolivian state to work on its commitments, both for the policy proposals and for their implementation.  

Solar ovens 

Together with the organisations that are part of the platform, they also give impetus to practical applications that allow to contribute to reducing emissions. For example, there is the programme for the installation of solar ovens in the Amazon region. It concerns small, practical ovens that allow families to prepare their food quickly and well using solar energy. These replace the traditional practices, in which wood is used. That wood is becoming increasingly scarce, and the increase in the population means that more and more trees are being cut down.