My Western perspective on coca
My first time on a coca plantation was in Yungas, Bolivia. My face clearly reveals the excitement of being in a coca plantatio
Destruction or construction?
The War on Drugs has failed. What gives us Westerners the right to impose a destructive policy? Dear imperialist , let this ba
The potential of coca
The coca leaf only contains 0,5% of cocaine. So why do we agressively destroy such a harmless and potential plant? Drug polici
Ancestral coca in Yungas, Bolivia
Coca leaves are popular for consumption, as coca has nutritional and medicinal qualities. But coca can only grow in certain ci
Miners and coca, Bolivia
Wilson works in a mine in Oruro, Bolivia. He shows me ‘around’ in the mine. In this narrow tunnel through the moun
Mining, exploitation and coca leaves
Centuries before the Europeans colonized South America, the indigenous people were aware of the healthy qualities of coca leav
Fortune telling in coca leaves
Wanna know more about your health, love life and job status? Go to El Alto in Bolivia. Maestro Pablo will offer his service in
Ancestral coca in Yungas, Bolivia
‘Girl power’ is written on the cap of coca farmer Ramiro. He uses the catapult to warn the birds from his coca pla
Vendors of coca products
In her sewing shop Bianca also sells local products, like coca tea. Her shop is located in a touristic area in Candelaria, Bog
Koguis, women and coca
Women of the Kogui indigenous community in Colombia do not chew coca leaves. Coca is a plant medicine that is used to awaken y