Luca Eufemia
MY PARAGUAY
After completing my BA in Political Science and International Relations in Italy and Denmark, followed by two Masters degrees – one of which was a Research Master in the UK in Immigration and International Conflicts, I took the fateful step of searching for work experience in a job or internship.
I began my search identifying my areas of interest and knowledge – amongst which environmental issues and nature conservation had always been high on my list. The close link between international conflict and conservation of natural resources had been a topic I had researched in the past. I knew of various organizations dedicated to the protection of the environment, and WWF had always been one of the ones I had a lot of admiration for – as they were also a forum of peace. After quite a bit of research on their site and organization, I came across the opportunity for the YVP and immediately applied. Two months later, after various interviews and selections, I was offered the opportunity to go to Paraguay. And so my journey began – in February 2012 I was off to South America!
Luca Eufemia
Experiencing Paraguay
Life in Asuncion welcomed me with many pleasant experiences. As an introductory meeting to local culture, I was offered a month’s course Guaraní, one the official language of Paraguay – whose strong influence remains present through the indigenous people.
Apart from that, I had a terrific time tasting local food, discovering its romantic music traditions, the natural beauty of the environment as well as also learning a lot about the troubled history of the Paraguayan people, who after many years of dictatorship still struggle to stabilize socially and economically. All in all, it has been a tremendous life experience which I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of and feel very lucky to be able to live.
Article in WWF-Italy Panda Magazine, February 2013
My WWF-Italy blog
Experiencing WWF Paraguay
Working with WWF in Paraguay has not only given me the opportunity to expand my network and meet a team of exceptional people, but also to see theory turned into practice.
In Paraguay, WWF currently has two main objectives:
- To advocate for the extension of the Zero deforestation Law in Oriental Region of Paraguay. The core is to protect the Atlantic forest through an effective set of legislations. Also, this implies the promotion of sustainable forest management and valid economic alternatives.
- To foster a more sustainable use and therefore to protect forest for the benefit of climate, people and nature. The mission is to find a balance between human activities and the use of the forest by implementing a REDD+ program, with the focus on two globally important eco-regions: the Atlantic Forest and the Pantanal.
I am incredibly grateful and proud to be able to work and contribute personally to the work WWF does here!
Luca Eufemia, Lucy Aquino y Sumaia Cruzans de WWF, el Presidente de la República; Dr. Federico Franco y el Ministro de la Secretaria Nacional de Deportes; Marcelo Bedoya
