Santa Cruz Assembly President Links Autonomy to Chiquitan Identity Defense

María René Álvarez, president of the Departmental Legislative Assembly (ALD) of Santa Cruz, underscored the critical role of defending Chiquitan identity in consolidating the region's autonomy and fostering development.

During commemorations for Santiago de Chiquitos, Álvarez stated that preserving the Chiquitan heritage is central to the ALD's legislative agenda, aiming for territorial consolidation, cultural preservation, and deeper autonomy. She described the traditional procession of the Chiquitan elders as a profound expression of the department's historical and cultural patrimony, transcending religious significance.

"There are moments that cannot be explained solely with words. The procession of the Chiquitan elders represents the living memory of a people who decided to preserve their essence through the centuries. When the bells ring, the incense perfumes the path, and the elders advance with the dignity of those who guard our history, one understands that identity is not a discourse: it is a force that is born from our roots and settles forever in the heart," Álvarez declared.

She identified the Chiquitania region's rich cultural heritage as a key strategic asset, offering immense potential for tourism, economic growth, and social advancement in Santa Cruz. The ALD is actively crafting legislation to bolster departmental autonomy by safeguarding historical sites, encouraging sustainable tourism, and implementing effective territorial planning.

Álvarez asserted that autonomy gains true meaning when it protects unique regional characteristics. This involves not just managing responsibilities but actively defending history and heritage, transforming identity into a development opportunity for future generations. She stressed that the Chiquitania is not merely a region of Santa Cruz but an extraordinary expression of Bolivia's cultural heritage, deserving of sustained public policies for its protection and global projection.