“If the Pilcomayo River is lost, the Weenhayek people will be lost” – governance of fisheries and indigenous institutional diversity in southern Bolivia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Understanding institutional diversity is crucial for the recognition of rural communities and their institutional processes as fundamental to their agency and autonomy. Deficiencies hinder the adequate implementation of agricultural projects and the achievement of collective rights. Thus, this article analyses the institutional diversity of the Weenhayek people in southern Bolivia and their governance of fishing on the Pilcomayo River. Weenhayeks have a fishing identity, creating aquatic food systems and a riverine culture. We undertake document analysis (20), participant observation, and interviews (13). Our results reveal that the Weenhayek’s indigenous governance system is not homogeneous throughout their territory. The “fuzziness” of the socio-ecological boundaries shows the fragility of the formal institutional boundaries. This indicates the importance of perspectives that addresses institutions beyond formal schemes, to support sustainable food systems and food sovereignty.