Advancing Equity: Bolivia’s High-Resolution Land Rights Revolution
PlanetScope® image of deforestation in Bolivia captured January 1, 2017. © 2017 Planet Labs PBC. All Rights Reserved.
StoriesThis article is also available in the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese
In rural Bolivia, 70% of the land remains without formal title, leaving a significant portion of the population — especially small-scale farmers and indigenous communities — without legal recognition of their land rights. This lack of clear ownership has enabled illegal land use, contributing to ongoing social inequalities and limiting economic growth for marginalized groups. Additionally, rural disputes in Bolivia have been related to unclear land boundaries, creating persistent obstacles to stability and equitable development in these communities.
Juan de Dios Fernández, Director of Planning at Bolivia’s National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INRA), is using high-resolution satellite data to improve land management, advance land ownership rights, and protect indigenous territories. During Planet On The Road in Bogotá, Colombia, he shared how his team is tackling these challenges to create stronger land management.
Source: INRA
Boosting Efficiency With Satellite Data
Establishing clear land ownership is the first step toward stability. Fernandez noted that nearly 100 million hectares, representing 90% of Bolivia’s rural lands, now have formalized property rights, with most titles granted to small landowners.
“We don't have to measure plot by plot anymore, we apply technology," he explained. "People locate their property on a screen, mark the boundaries and build a map.” Planet’s technology is speeding up the work, allowing Bolivia to issue 1.5 million property titles, increasing land security and reducing disputes. This shift towards transparent land ownership is a significant step for Bolivia’s rural communities, who now benefit from legal recognition and protection.
Source: Annual anthropogenic deforestation data as of 2022 - INRA-IBIF, with land tenure data from INRA.
Advancing Gender Equity in Land Ownership
A central INRA initiative is advancing gender equity in land rights, recognizing that secure land ownership for women not only supports individual rights but also strengthens entire communities. “Among new land title recipients, 45% are women, with the title bearing the woman's name first,” Fernández highlighted. This policy not only promotes gender equity but also empowers women to contribute economically and socially to their communities, enhancing resilience and stability.
Source: INRA
Safeguarding Indigenous Territories
Protecting indigenous lands is another important focus for INRA. With near-real-time satellite data, Fernández and his team can quickly monitor and detect illegal activities such as unauthorized logging or land encroachments, allowing for rapid response in these territories.
Monitoring helps uphold indigenous communities rights and preserve Bolivia’s natural resources.
Furthermore, Fernández also highlighted the importance of establishing different policies that respect the rights of all groups, ensuring that, for example, businesses caught in illegal activities face more severe penalties than Indigenous communities engaging in traditional practices.
A Vision for Sustainable Land Use
Guided by accurate data, INRA’s goal is to ensure equitable land access, especially for marginalized communities, and to support sustainable land use.
Bolivia's approach has become a success case for how technology can drive positive change by promoting equity, environmental protection and resource conservation. Fernández and his team plan to continue expanding their efforts and keep improving the satellite technology-driven program, setting an example of efficiency for other countries.
This vision was achieved through collaboration with Planet and partner Civis. By leveraging Planet daily imagery and insights through Planet Insights Platform, INRA developed a Geospatial program that solves specific, context-dependent challenges. This approach has facilitated targeted decision-making, enhancing INRA'S ability to meet the unique needs of the unique needs of rural Bolivian communities.
Join the Movement for Sustainable Land Management
Innovative use of satellite data can transform not just land management but the rights and dignity of people living on those lands.
INRA is shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. As Bolivia continues to lead with its initiatives to support gender equity and indigenous rights, it offers valuable lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.
Interested in learning more? Explore these resources about COP30 that illustrate how Planet data and solutions are driving progress toward a more sustainable future.
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