Ancient Culture Faces Extinction Due to Climate Crisis

The Uru Chipaya, one of South America's most ancient civilizations, are facing an existential threat as climate change ravages their homeland in Bolivia's Altiplano. Once known as the "people of water," their traditions are now on the brink due to persistent drought, increasing soil salinity, and a significant exodus of their people seeking opportunities in Chile. The nearby Lake Poopó, once Bolivia's second-largest lake, has completely vanished, and traditional crops are failing, intensifying food insecurity.

This environmental crisis has prompted an estimated 60% of Chipaya's 2,000 inhabitants to migrate, predominantly to Chile, for employment and a more stable future. This migration leads to profound cultural loss, as younger generations adopt new languages and customs, and elders worry about the erosion of their unique heritage. Poverty remains a severe issue, with over 67% of the Chipaya population considered poor, exacerbating the challenges of survival.

Researchers highlight that the Uru Chipaya possess remarkable ancestral knowledge of water management and climate resilience, yet these skills are being overwhelmed by the current climate shifts. The land's increasing salinity not only destroys crops and harms livestock but also poses significant health risks, including digestive issues, to the remaining population. Efforts are underway to preserve this 3,000 to 4,000-year-old culture, with a potential declaration as the world's oldest living culture planned for presentation to Unesco in 2026.