Well. I think it is very important that the university promotes or tries to raise awareness with the protection of fauna and flora, even more so at this time with the forest fires that not only affect animals and plants, but also the indigenous peoples that They live in that environment.

The most precious thing we have is the land we live on, however we are not able to recognize that we are not taking care of our home. Furthermore, one of the most important and vulnerable things is that, as Bolivians, we do not recognize the wealth that our country gives us. Whether in nature, in culture, in gastronomy, we are a rich country so it is time to start changing, start step by step trying to reach a goal in which we feel proud of our roots.

The reality we live in reflects our relationship with nature, and the Amazonian peoples teach us to rethink that connection. In the Amazon, 377 peoples and 250 native languages live in harmony with their environment, protecting a territory vital for all of us. Exploring their knowledge leads us to value "mojeinidad," that deep communion with the earth.

Every part of the Amazon is essential, and its exploitation forces us to ask: For whom and why do we do it? The Amazonian peoples show us that knowledge goes beyond the classroom; it lies in sharing with others and respecting life in all its forms. Preserving their wisdom is key to a sustainable future, where coexistence with nature is our greatest legacy.

María Eugenia Carizo, an Argentinian representative of the Bolivian Amazon, leads a network of Catholic women in the Amazon. Committed to defending their bodies and territories, she works closely with the Mojeño indigenous people. Carizo highlights the significance of Mojeño music, which deeply connects them to nature, to each other, and to the elements of air, fire, earth, and water. She emphasizes the importance of preserving indigenous languages, noting that there are over 200 native languages in the region. Carizo also underscores the crucial role of the Amazon River, which provides 15% of the world's freshwater. She advocates for indigenous peoples' right to remain within the forest, safeguarding their cultures and traditions.

Is important protect the Amazon because the Amazon River provides us with most of the fresh water we have, we are home to forests and there are about 377 indigenous peoples who remain in this territory trying to maintain their culture. But even so, their territory is being burned, the body of those peoples, and it is something that we will not be able to return to. Because the loss of these ecosystems will be serious in the future and we will have to face the consequences. Mojos is a place to admire for its culture and customs.

It is vitally important to become aware of the current situation regarding the destruction of nature, both flora and fauna. In my personal opinion, I would like to highlight two key points in particular: the contamination of rivers with mercury for gold mining, affecting fishing, the main source of life and economy of civilizations that live on the banks of these rivers, and the deforestation and felling of trees in places where other human civilizations live, destroying their homes, houses and shelters. I am from Beni and my duty is to help maintain the lungs of Bolivia and the world, which are the main source of oxygen and home for many, and the rivers of living water that give life to much of the vegetation, flora and fauna, and sustenance for others.

I think that the overuse of the Amazon's resources is a trouble for our and next generations, the little consideration for the indigenous people who live there is a big trouble. These communities are seeing the forest gradually disappear along with their cultures. Unchecked mining and deforestation will wipe out these people cultural legacy. The biodiversity is losing and the culture of our ancestors even our grandparents is being forgotten for us.

Since 2015, Pope Francis has given great importance to the issue of the environment and the alarming climate crisis, apart from multiple papal Laudatos, and as part of it was the Amazon Synod. In the Amazon, the vision they have is to see as a whole as well as the four elements or cardinal points. This is reflected in the fact that despite making up 327 towns, 250 native languages ​​and having more than 2.5 million inhabitants, the Pan-Amazon has different networks that allow them to communicate and make their bonds endure. From the point of view of the Amazonian peoples, there are three problems, such as: The lack of recognition and demarcation of territories, extractive megaprojects, this being the biggest problem, and pollution that deteriorates the quality of life. Therefore, the inhabitants of the Pan-Amazon invite us to question the Western vision of progress, arguing that there is no progress without contemplating the integrity of the human being. So in a voice that cries out to the States, that they are pre-existing to them, so they demand that their indigenous rights and autonomies be respected. Taking the latter not as an end, but as an instrument or means for self-determination and reconstruction of their territory, in order to live a life harmonious with nature and in balance like a dream, a Good Living, which the Pope also echoes. Francisco who also sees the importance of caring not only for the ecology of the place but also for the culture of the Amazonian peoples.

Universities play a vital role in raising awareness about environmental protection, especially amid forest fires that endanger wildlife and indigenous communities. We must recognize the immense value of our land and heritage as Bolivians, which includes our rich nature, culture, and gastronomy. Carizo, an advocate for the Bolivian Amazon, highlights the deep connection between indigenous peoples and nature, emphasizing the need to preserve their languages, cultures, and the vital Amazon River. These reflections call us to protect our environment and honor the communities that are integral to its preservation.

It's important to promote environmental awareness, especially against forest fires, which harm wildlife, plants, and indigenous communities. Despite Bolivia's rich natural, cultural, and culinary heritage, many fail to protect it. María Eugenia Carizo, an Argentine advocate, works with Catholic women and the Mojeño people to defend indigenous rights. She stresses the importance of preserving their music, languages, and connection to nature. Carizo also highlights the Amazon River's global significance and calls for the protection of indigenous cultures and their right to remain in the forest.

I think the conference brings to the table a very important point regards what development means. And how this concept is usually associated with the growth of the economy, cities, and overall of the country, meanwhile, a face that is quite ignored is how it excludes Indigenous cultures. Starting with the lack of land recognition and how pollution affects the lives of Indigenous people in aspects of culture, health, and spirituality. So I think it's important to reconsider the idea of development and make a change, as development should also consider human spirituality and culture.

The fight to protect the Amazon is also a fight to preserve the wisdom and rights of indigenous peoples. They are the natural guardians of the rainforest, and their traditional knowledge is essential for finding a balance between development and conservation. By protecting the Amazon, we are not only safeguarding a vital ecosystem but also respecting and valuing the cultures that have lived in harmony with it for millennia.

These reflections underscore the urgent need for environmental protection, particularly in the Amazon, which is home to diverse ecosystems and indigenous communities. The Amazon River, a critical source of fresh water, and the region's rich biodiversity are under severe threat due to deforestation, illegal mining, and unchecked exploitation of resources. The destruction of these ecosystems not only endangers wildlife and plant species but also devastates the livelihoods and cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who inhabit these lands. The need to address pollution, such as mercury contamination in rivers, is crucial for the survival of these communities, who rely on these natural resources for their sustenance.

Advocates like María Eugenia Carizo highlight the deep connection between indigenous peoples and nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving their languages, music, and traditions as integral to their cultural identity. The reflections also call attention to the broader issue of recognizing and respecting indigenous rights and territories, which are often overlooked in the pursuit of economic gains. There is a strong plea for a shift in perspective, urging societies to value and protect the environment and the cultural legacy of indigenous communities. This call aligns with global movements, such as Pope Francis encyclical Laudato Si, which advocates for environmental stewardship and the protection of vulnerable populations.

The land we live on is our most valuable resource, but we often don't take proper care of it. It's important to understand how crucial it's to protect nature, including plants, animals, the homes of indigenous people, and the Amazon. The Amazon is essential for global climate balance and biodiversity. In Bolivia, we have a rich natural and cultural heritage that deserves our respect and protection. This means dealing with problems like river pollution from mining which affects local communities and ecosystems, deforestation that destroys homes, and the ongoing threats to the Amazon. We need to start taking action to protect our environment and value our heritage to create a future we can be proud of.

The reflection that gives us this talk is about the importance of our Amazon forests that is not only the fauna but the people who are there that feed on what nature provides, making us reflect on the climate change that we produce as we affect the daily lives of indigenous peoples, such as deforestation of trees and pollution of the Amazon River, its main source of water, affecting in transforndo the culture that has these 377 peoples.