The seventh edition of Paraguay Verde was held July 17-19, 2017, at the Campamento Jack Norment, Caacupé, highlighting the importance of protected areas in Paraguay and how young Paraguayans can work to create a more sustainable Paraguay. Organized by A Todo Pulmón-Paraguay Respira in collaboration with Peace Corps/Paraguay, this youth environmental leadership initiative continued for the sixth consecutive year (and seventh time overall) with more than 80 youth participating from nine different departments, continuing its focus on connecting youth environmental leaders.

Under the theme of protected areas, a variety of different topics and issues were presented that directly related to Paraguayans on a national, regional and local level. Overall, the camp was successful with much energy and enthusiasm from the participants. The camp focused on topics such as eco-regions, biodiversity, specific protected areas in Paraguay, biological corridors and climate change; how these different themes connect to local communities, and how the participants can take this information back to those same communities. A youth leadership panel was presented, allowing for youth environmental leaders with different backgrounds to share their experience on community and socio-environmental development. The youth were also encouraged to create specific action plans for follow-up activities after the camp, and to later share the results of these activities with A Todo Pulmón and Peace Corps/Paraguay through social networks.

The camp focused on topics such as eco-regions, biodiversity, specific protected areas in Paraguay, biological corridors and climate change; how these different themes connect to local communities, and how the participants can take this information back to those same communities. A youth leadership panel was presented, allowing for youth environmental leaders with different backgrounds to share their experience on community and socio-environmental development. The youth were also encouraged to create specific action plans for follow-up activities after the camp, and to later share the results of these activities with A Todo Pulmón and Peace Corps/Paraguay through social networks.

An organization fair was held with 11 Paraguayan environmental organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, that gave more insight on work done in Paraguay, how Paraguayan youth can help, how the organization can help local communities, and what careers in environmental conservation exist in Paraguay. The combination of volunteer-led activities and Paraguayan-led presentations allowed the youth to see many sides of environmental issues and understand both technical and policy-based action. 

The Paraguay Verde Initiative continues to connect youth environmental leaders in Paraguay, and strive towards promoting sustainable development throughout Paraguay. To learn more about this initiative, visit: https://www.facebook.com/CampamentoParaguayVerde/