November 7: upcoming roundtable discussion on "Conservation experiences in Latin America"

We are pleased to invite you to a special round table session titled "Conservation Experiences in Latin America," part of the Natural Resource Management and Sustainability module at the Technical University of Dresden / International Institute Zittau. This engaging event will take place on November 7th, 2024, at 14:15 (Central European Time).

In this session, four distinguished experts will share their valuable insights and experiences in conservation practices throughout Latin America. The discussion will delve into the diverse strategies, successes, and challenges involved in protecting the region’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems.

Featured Experts:

• Eng. Fredy Armijos Perez - Ecuador: A civil engineer with extensive education and experience in public works, Fredy served as the mayor of Nangaritza in Ecuador from 2019 to 2023 and was President of the “Consortium of Amazonian Municipalities and Galápagos” (COMAGA) from 2021 to 2023.
• Biol. Ricardo Hernan Peñuela Pava, M.Sc. - Colombia: An accomplished biologist with advanced degrees in plant physiology and business administration, Ricardo specializes in environmental management and biodiversity conservation, with significant experience in governmental and international organizations. Mr. Peñuela previously worked at “Technosur Inc”. in Washington, DC, on the globalization impact in agriculture, health, and the environment.
• Eng. Maria Andrea Torrado Serrano, M.Sc. - Colombia: Experience as the Sustainability Director at “Bio Basin Alliance Foundation” (Fundación Alianza Biocuenca), with knowledge in water conservation projects and implements environmental programs for SME´s as Project Coordinator at the Corporation “We Are Water” (Corporación Agua Somos). Mrs. Torrado led support for green business ventures to strengthen soft skills and improve business relationships, implemented strategies for participation in fairs and farmers' markets to promote visibility and growth, and supervised the creation of impact indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable and conservation initiatives.
• Eng. Juan Carlos Corminola Eguivar - Bolivia: An Agricultural Engineering graduate with a diploma in territorial planning, Juan Carlos brings 19 years of experience in natural resource management and watershed planning. He currently serves as the Operational Coordinator for the Bolivian Amazon at
  “Conservation International Foundation”, where he participates in project coordination and understanding key development issues in Bolivia's Amazon and Chaco regions.

During our discussion, we will examine the intricate political, social, environmental, and economic dynamics influencing conservation efforts. We will highlight successful case studies showcasing collaborative initiatives in Latin America, where local communities, the private sector, governments, and NGOs have come together to promote sustainable development. These initiatives demonstrate how inclusive approaches can effectively address environmental challenges while considering the socio-economic needs of local populations.

By integrating diverse perspectives and real-world examples, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in conservation efforts. Your participation will enrich the academic dialogue among students and researchers, bridging theoretical concepts with empirical experiences to preserve the invaluable natural heritage of Latin America and contextualizing these efforts within the European landscape.

If you would like to attend the round table session on November 7th at 14:15, please contact Albert Baena Regel at () to register and receive Zoom access.