Deep in the heart of Bolivia lies Lake Uru Uru, once a vibrant sanctuary of life and culture. For centuries, it sustained the Uru Indigenous people—women weaving Totora reeds into boats, youth fishing along its shores, and elders passing down wisdom about the delicate balance of nature. But today, the lake is under siege. Pollution from mining and waste, climate change, and human activity have turned this sacred body of water into a shadow of its former self.
Our team, Uru Uru Team, is made up of Indigenous women, passionate youth, and allies who refuse to let this story end in tragedy. We are a grassroots movement working to restore the lake to its former glory while empowering our community to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change. This is not just about saving a lake—it’s about protecting a way of life, standing up for climate justice, and offering hope to those displaced by environmental destruction.
Why We Need Your Help
Climate change has hit our community hard. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns have worsened water pollution and dried up critical wetlands. Many families have been forced to leave their ancestral lands, becoming climate refugees. Women are particularly impacted, as they bear the burden of securing food and water for their families. Youth are left questioning whether their future holds any promise.
But we refuse to give up. Through traditional Indigenous knowledge and innovative eco-solutions, we are building a brighter tomorrow for Uru Uru Lake and the people who call it home.
What We’re Doing
Our approach combines nature-based solutions with community empowerment:
Empowering Indigenous Women
Indigenous women are the heart of this movement. They are leading efforts to restore the lake by planting native Totora reeds, which naturally filter pollutants and stabilize the ecosystem. These women are not just fighting for the environment—they’re reclaiming their identity, culture, and leadership roles.
Engaging Youth in Climate Action
We believe in the power of youth to create lasting change. Our workshops educate young people about climate change, environmental stewardship, and their role as protectors of their heritage. They are learning to advocate for their rights, innovate solutions, and inspire others.
Building Climate Resilience
For families displaced by climate change, we’re creating sustainable food systems through aquaponics projects in schools, combining fish farming and vegetable growth. These systems offer food security and teach students how to adapt to a changing environment.
Restoring Lake Uru Uru
With your support, we’ll continue our community clean-ups, expand our floating rafts made from recycled materials to filter water, and work with scientists to monitor progress. This lake is more than a body of water—it’s the soul of our people.
How You Can Help
We need your donation to scale our impact and continue this fight for justice and restoration. Every dollar you contribute will go directly to:
Planting more native Totora to decontaminate the lake.
Supporting women-led workshops and training programs.
Providing tools and materials for youth climate action.
Expanding aquaponics systems to ensure food security.
Advocating for policy changes that protect our environment and Indigenous rights.
Your support isn’t just an investment in a lake—it’s an investment in Indigenous resilience, environmental justice, and a livable future for all.
Join Us in Restoring Hope!
We are fighting not just for Uru Uru Lake but for every community facing the devastating impacts of climate change. Together, we can prove that change is possible when we honor traditional wisdom, empower local leaders, and stand united for our planet.
Please donate today and share our story with your network. Every voice, every share, and every dollar brings us closer to a restored lake and a brighter future.
- Let’s restore Uru Uru Lake, one Totora, one young activist, one community at a time.

