ALLATRA Participates in Water in Bolivia Conference on 21st-Century Environmental Challenges
ALLATRA Global Research Center participated in the scientific and academic event Water in Bolivia, organized as part of the initiatives of Bolivian Catholic University "San Pablo"
Dr. Vanya Roca Urioste, Academic Director of the Santa Cruz campus of the Bolivian Catholic University “San Pablo,” during the opening of the Water in Bolivia event
Organizers and participants of the Water in Bolivia conference at the Graduate Studies Department of the Bolivian Catholic University in Santa Cruz
John Ahn, Chairman of the ALLATRA Global Research Center, during his plenary presentation at the lecture hall of the Graduate Studies Department of the Bolivian Catholic University in Santa Cruz
The event brought together researchers, university representatives, specialized organizations, government institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and students to discuss the pressing water and environmental challenges of the 21st century. Particular attention was given to integrated water resource management, sustainable development, climate-related challenges, the expansion of open scientific collaboration, as well as emerging research areas, including studies related to micro- and nanoplastics.
The ALLATRA Global Research Center (ALLATRA GRC) participated in the event as one of its key partners. ALLATRA GRC’s participation in Water in Bolivia became part of an international scientific and public dialogue focused on advancing sustainable solutions in the areas of water security, environmental sustainability, and the protection of both human health and the environment.
The event was initiated by the CReA project of the Bolivian Catholic University — an interdisciplinary initiative focused on reducing the socio-environmental vulnerability of rural and peri-urban communities.
The first part of the conference took place on May 4–5 at the Graduate Studies Department of the Bolivian Catholic University in Santa Cruz. During the international technical sessions, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, representatives of research centers, and international experts discussed existing expertise, current research gaps, and prospects for future scientific cooperation.
Key topics included integrated water resource management, ecosystem services, the One Health approach, scientific capacity building, public policy, and legislative initiatives.
Following the discussions, participants emphasized the need to further develop the Bolivian Water Observatory and a scientific and technical advisory committee, which could help strengthen governance, scientific validation, and evidence-based decision-making.
Participants also emphasized the importance of improving access to scientific data, enhancing scientific literacy, engaging local communities, and fostering closer collaboration among universities, government institutions, and civil society organizations.
Particular attention was also given to emerging research areas related to water quality, contamination of water resources, the impact of environmental factors on human health, climate-related challenges, as well as research on micro- and nanoplastics.
One of the central events of the conference was the presentation delivered by John Ahn, an expert in climate science, geodynamics, and environmental studies; Chairman of the ALLATRA Global Research Center; Head of the Scientific Advisory and Research Council of ALLATRA GRC; and lead author of the report Nanoplastics. A Systematic Risk Analysis for Human Health, Ecosystems, and the Environment.
During his presentation, “Water Under an Invisible Threat: Nanoplastics and the Need for Global Scientific Research,” John Ahn presented a scientific and analytical overview of current research on micro- and nanoplastics, based on an interdisciplinary review of the latest scientific findings. The central focus of his presentation was the risks associated with the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health, water resources, ecosystems, and the biosphere as a whole.
Particular attention was also given to the issue of large-scale ocean plastic pollution in the context of anomalous ocean heat accumulation and the need to consider additional factors affecting the ocean’s thermal state. This topic became an important part of the broader discussion on emerging environmental threats that require a comprehensive scientific approach, international coordination, and the further development of research programs.
As part of the plenary presentations, participants also addressed issues related to climate adaptation, water resilience, drought, the role of aquifers, environmental health, scientific communication, and international cooperation.
Miguel Moreno, a postdoctoral researcher at the Free University of Brussels, presented findings on the impacts of climate change and drought, as well as the importance of aquifers as critical systems for resilience.
Patrick Malefond, Director of the Cinémathèque de Nouvelle-Aquitaine, presented a 1918 film regarded as the first feature-length film about the Amazon and discussed how film, audiovisual archives, and historical memory help communicate scientific knowledge to the public.
Dr. José Prudencio, National Administrator for Research, Development, and Innovation at the Bolivian Catholic University “San Pablo,” emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, interdisciplinary approaches, and regional cooperation aimed at advancing the common good.
The second part of Water in Bolivia took place on May 6–7 and brought together CReA project teams, representatives of government institutions, universities, NGOs, water sector organizations, local communities, and students.
The working sessions focused on four regions of Bolivia where projects related to water resource management and sustainable development are currently underway. Participants identified existing strengths, opportunities, and new research directions that could support more effective responses to environmental and social challenges.
The event also brought together representatives of the Authority for Oversight and Social Control of Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation under the Ministry of Productive Development, Agriculture, and Water Resources, as well as other institutions involved in water resource management and environmental protection.
The ALLATRA Global Research Center extends its gratitude to the Bolivian Catholic University, the CReA project, and the organizers of Water in Bolivia for the invitation to participate, the high level of organization, and creating a space for open scientific dialogue.
Such platforms are essential for bringing together scientists, universities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners in the effort to develop solutions for protecting water resources, human health, and ecosystems.
In the face of growing pressure on water resources, climate change, and emerging forms of pollution, including micro- and nanoplastics, international and interdisciplinary cooperation is becoming increasingly essential for the development of sustainable, long-term solutions. The experience of Water in Bolivia demonstrates that such initiatives are important not only for Bolivia and the region, but also for the broader global scientific dialogue on the future of water resources, human health, and environmental security.
About ALLATRA
ALLATRA is an international civic platform with a research center in the United States (ALLATRA Global Research Center), engaged in the comprehensive analysis of climate and environmental changes, the study of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, and the promotion of intercultural cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV likewise bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.
About the ALLATRA Global Research Center
The ALLATRA Global Research Center is an independent research organization dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of critical environmental and health challenges facing humanity. Through rigorous analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration, ALLATRA produces comprehensive reports and documentaries designed to inform public understanding, policy discussions, and scientific collaboration on global challenges, including micro- and nanoplastic contamination, climate change, and geodynamic threats.
Valeria Smian
ALLATRA
valerie@allatra.org
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