Country Profiles

Bolivian Council on Sustainable Development (Ministry for the Environment and Water) - former

Contact

Address:

Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua

Capitan Castrillo 434 entre 20 de Octubre y Héroes del Acre

Zona San Pedro

Website: http://www.mmaya.gob.bo/ (Ministry for the Environment & Water)

Bolivia200

Mission Statement

‘The Council was defined as an instrument to promote processes of participation, coordination and consensus building, and also to carry out and ensure the continuity of the principles and objectives of the sustainable development model. During instances of public dialogue and debate, the Council was to serve as the institution that forged agreement between the state, civil society, and international aid agencies on sustainable development policies and strategic programs.’

The Council’s main functions were:

  • To promote participation and dialogue in SD between diverse social actors, government, and NGOs;
  • To strengthen co-operation over SD between the government and civil society;
  • To ensure implementation of SD objectives and policies over the medium to long-term;
  • To establish guidelines for the creation of SD councils at department or provincial levels;
  • To raise funds from international donors to support the Council’s independent function; and
  • To undertake actions that change social behaviour and perceptions SD.

Composition and Membership

The [original] Bolivian Council was established in 1996 and recognised by law in 1997.

President: Minister for Sustainable Development.

The original Council was made up of an assembly, an executive committee, and an executive secretary. Members of the assembly included representatives from the central government; parliament; NGOs; academia; and umbrella organizations such as Bolivia’s Central Labor Union, the Union of Rural Workers, the Episcopal Confederation, and the Bolivian Association of Private Enterprises; the media; the armed forces; and international aid agencies. Two representatives of the executive branch and four representatives of civil society formed the executive committee.

Role and Functions

  • advising on government policy or making policy recommendations, including NSDS; and
  • stakeholder engagement.