Coca Si, Cocaina No: Evo Morales' Coca Policy in Los Yungas, Bolivia
Launched January 4, 2008
For the past two years, Bolivian President Evo Morales has shifted drug policy in Bolivia toward a program he calls "Coca Si, Cocaina No." Though the "zero cocaine" program continues to work against illegal cocaine production and trafficking, it also allows an increase in the cultivation of coca for legal purposes. Morales, a former coca grower himself, owes much of his political support to "cocaleros" — as coca farmers are known in Bolivia.
His controversial "Coca Yes, Cocaine No" program focuses on the industrialization of coca for products like tea, medicine and toothpaste, much of it with financial help from Morales' regional ally, Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez. According to Bolivia's Coca Industrialization Directorate, there are an estimated 50,000 coca growers in Los Yungas, who already support the effort to market coca legally.
On the other hand, Morales remains opposed to the unregulated and illegal growth of coca for cocaine production. He is encouraging growers to meet voluntary limits while continuing to cooperate with the United States government in stepping up efforts to stop cocaine traffickers. But U.S. law enforcement authorities remain skeptical of Morales' "Coca Yes, Cocaine No" program, arguing that any increase in coca cultivation will lead to an increase in cocaine production.
Grantee
A native of San Antonio, TX, Roberto [Bear] Guerra holds a degree from the University of Notre Dame in Cultural Anthropology.
After working for Amnesty International USA, and then teaching...
Grantee
Ruxandra is a writer and producer with experience working in radio, print journalism, and multimedia. She has reported from the Caribbean, South and Central America, as well as the U.S.-Mexico...
Grantee
Gabrielle's film making career in documentary has brought her to many places including Thailand, Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Mexico and throughout the United States. She has worked...
Roberto (Bear) Guerra has been nominated for a National Magazine Award in the photojournalism category f
June 17, 2009
Pulitzer Center-supported documentary "La Hoya," Gabrielle Weiss' film about Bolivia's coca culture, was shown at the Philanthropy New York documentary series.
June 10, 2009
Two Pulitzer Center-supported films won honors at the 9th Annual Media That Matters Film Festival June 3.
January 17, 2009 /
World Vision Report
Bolivian President Evo Morales says he's committed to fighting cocaine production and trafficking in his country.
November 13, 2008 /
Untold Stories
Lindsey Mullikin, for the Pulitzer Center
November 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
8:00pm - 9:30pm
BUR 216
Sponsored by University of Texas at Austin SPJ chapter
September 19, 2008 /
PBS Foreign Exchange
The coca plant, used in indigenous cultural rituals and traditional medicines, is also the main ingredient for cocaine.
September 19, 2008 /
PBS Foreign Exchange
The coca plant, used in indigenous cultural rituals and traditional medicines, is also the main ingredient for cocaine.
May 3, 2008 /
The Walrus
The United Nations' International Narcotics Control Board recently made the announcement that Peru and Bolivia should, once and for all, outlaw the chewing of coca.
March 10, 2008 /
PRI's The World
Following the legal market of coca from the fields in Los Yungas, to the Villa Fátima market in La Paz, and finally, in the production of coca-based products.
Photos by Bear Guerra.
January 17, 2009 /
World Vision Report
Bolivian President Evo Morales says he's committed to fighting cocaine production and trafficking in his country.
April 14, 2008 /
Dispatches (CBC)
Aired on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Dispatches on April 14, 2008
March 11, 2008 /
PRI's The World
For years, Bolivia has been considered only a transit point for cocaine — but in the last five years it has increasingly become involved in cocaine production as well.
March 10, 2008 /
PRI's The World
The U.N.'s International Narcotics Control Board said last week that Peru and Bolivia should outlaw the chewing of coca.