National Academy of Sciences of Bolivia: Priorities and Challenges IANAS Conference and General Assembly Ottawa, Ontario, Canada August 26 – 28, 2010

Bolivia´s challenges today  Social and economic development: 37.7 % of the population live in extreme poverty, 59.9 % of the population in moderate poverty 9.8 % of the population between 18 and 24 years old are unemployed  Education: 92.7 % of coverage at the primary level, 75.6 % of completion of the 8 th grade  Water: 73.1 % of the population with access to sustainable water

Bolivia´s challenges today (cont´d)  Energy: 67 % of total access to electricity, with 30 % of electricity access in rural areas and 87 % of electricity access in urban areas  Environment: 47.5 % of territory covered by woods 17.1 % of territory in protected areas 36.4 Tons of PAO in CFCs consumed per year  Gender equity: 89 women per 100 men older than 15 years old are able to read and write 16.9 % women in Parliament 10.3 % Academy members are women

Bolivia´s opportunities  Half of the estimated world LITHIUM reserves are located in the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia  Second largest estimated reserves of NATURAL GAS in America are located in Bolivia  Significant IRON deposits located in the eastern wetlands of Bolivia  Current officials and voters pursue to create climate of social and economic structure change, involving education, health care, and other reforms.

National Academy of Sciences of Bolivia (ANCB)  49 years old and 34 members Mission  Mission: “to create and foster conditions for the development of scientific activity and innovation; to promote science and technology; to provide support and counseling to government and private institutions in the formulation and implementation of science and technology policies for the development of the country; and to support and dignify Bolivian scientists”

ANCB´s main challenge To become effective at promoting technology and scientific development; and at acting as a link between scientists, engineers, institutions and Government so that scientific knowledge and technology advancements can be effectively implemented by Government and private institutions for the wellness of Bolivian society at large.

ANCB: 2006 – 2010  Promotion of the membership of young and active Bolivian scientists to the ANCB  Establishment of relationships with other Bolivian organizations promoting science, e.g., Bolivian Association for the Advancement of Science (ABAC), Bolivian Association of Innovators and Inventors (AIB), Bolivian Organization of Women Scientists (OBMC), and others.  Strengthening of relationships with international organizations promoting science, e.g., IANAS  Establishment of programs for professional development of Bolivian scientists, e.g., contacts for doctorate programs in Mexican Universities.

Addressing ANCB´s challenges  Elaboration of an strategic plan  Re-engineering of ANCB, redefining mission, vision and structure  Strengthening of the relationships between ANCB and the Bolivian Government, Universities, private institutions, organizations, scientists and the general public  Strengthening of the relationships between ANCB and other Academies and international institutions promoting science

Education and capacity building  Technical participation in the formulation of National Education Reform to strengthen science education  Active support to programs of science education targeting the general public  Technical support to universities and research centers in creating programs for the continuous education of researchers and scientists  Technical support to universities, research centers, institutions and scientists in finding financing, research grants and establishing collaborations

Energy, Water and Environment  Technical participation in the elaboration of a National Energy Plan, and the national strategies for the exploitation of lithium, natural gas, geothermal energy and others  Technical participation in the elaboration of a National Plan on Management of Natural Resources, and in the evaluation of proposals  Technical participation in the formulation of the new National Environmental Protection Law

Thank you. Questions?