An anthropological analysis: In defense of water based on indigenous experiences in the Bolivian Andes

Abstract

Objective: This article aims to present an in-depth analysis of the documentary "Uma Uñjirinaka — Cuidador del agua " (One Uñjirinaka — Caretaker of the Water), screened at the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF) on September 10, 2025, at 2:30 PM, which addresses water contamination by mining companies and draws on the experiences of indigenous people from the Andes region of Bolivia.

Method: The methodology is aligned with anthropological research that seeks to understand the cultures, social, economic, and political interactions of communities, especially in their local contexts. Theoretical, empirical, and ethnographic bibliographic references were used.

Results: the documentary highlights specific cases of indigenous communities, such as Alto Milluni , Unidade Educativa Juancito Pinto, and Tiquipa , analyzing their histories, environmental challenges, and community actions.

Discussion: This article provides a space for analyzing the role of institutions, the formulation of public policies, and social participation in defending water conservation. It emphasizes the importance of a unified strategy that involves the participation of all and respects local culture to protect water resources in Bolivia. Therefore, the documentary advocates for the sustainability of life in Bolivia through water, integrating historical, cultural, ecological, and participatory activism aspects, promoting interaction between academic research, social engagement, and the formulation of sustainable public policies.