Restoring Human Security for Youth in the Chiquitania Region to Promote a Sustainable COVID-19 Recovery that Leaves No One Behind​

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos have been an important cultural and economic resource for the region through sustainable tourism. In recent years, however, the Chiquitania region has faced a series of disasters that are undermining the resilience of communities and local economic development. Environmental degradation, uncontrolled fires, unsustainable mining practices, and extensive cattle ranching have negatively impacted agricultural production, access to fresh water, community cohesion, and tourism. This further deepened food and economic insecurities in the region, pushing young people to migrate to cities in search of better opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these trends, particularly a strong contraction in tourism, heightening the vulnerabilities of young people and other disadvantaged populations in the region.​

The programme aims to strengthen the human security of young people affected by COVID-19 and environmental crises in the Chiquitania region. To this end, key objectives of the programme are to: (i) improve disaster risk management strategies of the government and civil society organizations using the human security approach; (ii) increase the participation of young people in decision-making processes through the establishment of multistakeholder platforms; (iii) empower young people from the heritage municipalities to lead actions aimed at enhancing their livelihoods and community development.

KEY MATERIALS 
​Programme Summary