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In a decision that has left many Indigenous Bolivians disheartened, the World Health Organization (WHO) has opted to maintain its classification of the coca leaf, a traditional staple of Andean culture, alongside highly dangerous substances like heroin and fentanyl. This ruling, influenced by international pressures, particularly from the United States, poses a threat not only to the livelihoods of local growers but also to their cultural heritage.
Cultural Heritage at Risk
For millennia, the Indigenous communities in the Andean region, particularly around Coripata, Bolivia, have relied on coca leaves for their numerous benefits. These leaves are not only used to alleviate fatigue and hunger but also to combat altitude sickness and digestive issues. Daynor Choque, a leader among local coca producers, expressed deep concern over the future of this cherished tradition. “We have been using coca without any problems since the time of our ancestors,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing struggle to keep this cultural practice alive amidst mounting pressures to conform to international drug control measures.
The WHO’s refusal to amend the coca leaf’s status, despite a critical review indicating that it poses no harm to human health, has left many growers feeling cornered. Choque emphasised that the current situation forces producers into the illegal cocaine trade merely to survive, stating, “Unless we can sell our coca legally on international markets, we are left with little choice.”
WHO’s Decision: A Blow to Indigenous Rights
The coca leaf, known scientifically as *Erythroxylum coca*, is a vital part of Indigenous identity, woven into rituals and daily life. Approximately five million people in the Andes consume it daily, using it as a mild stimulant akin to coffee or tea. The WHO’s recent findings acknowledged the leaf’s beneficial properties, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Yet, despite this recognition, the leaf remains classified with more harmful substances, a decision that has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups.
Former Bolivian Vice-President David Choquehuanca condemned the WHO’s decision as a severe violation of Indigenous rights. “For six decades, we have suffered this violation of our legitimate rights to use our sacred coca leaf as we see fit,” he remarked, asserting the cultural significance of coca in therapeutic and ritual practices. The WHO’s ruling, according to John Walsh from the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), contradicts the evolving understanding of Indigenous rights on an international level.
The Implications of Coca Cultivation
The ongoing debate over coca cultivation has intensified in light of rising cocaine production worldwide, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As demand for cocaine surges, the wholesale price of the drug has significantly decreased, making it appealing for farmers. However, this illegal market often comes at the expense of traditional practices and cultural heritage.
While the WHO’s technical officer, Dilkushi Poovendran, cited rising cocaine seizures and emerging cocaine use disorders as factors influencing the decision, many advocates argue that maintaining the current classification limits opportunities for legal trade in coca-derived products. “We want to be able to sell products made from our sacred coca leaf worldwide,” Choquehuanca affirmed, underlining the need for a legal avenue to market coca-based items like teas and balms.
Challenges Ahead
The WHO’s ruling poses a complex challenge for Indigenous communities striving to reclaim their cultural rights while navigating international drug policies. As Bolivia, supported by Colombia, sought to have the coca leaf reclassified, the recent decision has dashed hopes for reform. Historical precedents show a pattern of resistance against changes to coca’s status, often influenced by the U.S. stance on drug control.
The path forward may require a concerted effort from advocacy groups to appeal to the UN’s economic and social council, where there might be more flexibility in addressing the issue. However, with a conservative government in Bolivia and changing leadership in Colombia, the momentum for reform appears to be waning.
Why it Matters
The ongoing classification of the coca leaf as a dangerous narcotic not only jeopardises the livelihood of thousands of Bolivians but also threatens to erase a significant aspect of Indigenous culture that has persisted for centuries. This situation reflects broader issues of cultural preservation in the face of international drug policies that often overlook the complexities of traditional practices. By failing to recognise the coca leaf’s cultural importance, global authorities risk perpetuating cycles of injustice, marginalisation, and economic hardship for those who have long relied on this sacred plant.
