Paraguay Parana Wetland System: valuing wetlands and local knowledge for integration Session Rivers and Wetlands: A negotiated Approach Presenter: Rafaela Nicola Ecoa/Pantanal Network World Water Forum 4 Mexico Banamex Centre Casa del Diezmo 1
An ongoing initiative: The Wetland the, located at the South American Central Valley (Sub-Andean depression), embraces de Pantanal, including the wetlands of the Middle and Low Paraguay River, the alluvial valley of the Middle and Low Paraná until the Plate River.
It is formed along approximately 3.400 Km extension of rivers free of dams, being the world's largest freshwater wetland corridor, including territories from Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.
More than 20 million people live in this System: indigenous and traditional communities; peasants, rural villages and cities, such as Asuncion (PY) and Buenos Aires (AR).
Many areas along this System are already recognized as Ramsar Sites and Biosphere Reserves.
Major threats: lack of adequate policies allowing predatory processes to take place mega-projects for infrastructures and developments, Heavy industries deforestation for cattle raising agribusiness endanger the ecosystems and its functions, people livelihoods
South American Regional Infrastructure Initiative (IIRSA), launched in 2000, with the stated objective of developing the region s transportation, energy, and telecommunicatio n sectors.
From Opposition to Proposition: Ngos, communities and experts are articulated to oppose predatory developments. Vision: regional development based on sustainability, reverting social exclusing, environmental degradation and empoverishment
Why is it possible? Local and traditional knowledge Expertise's Opportunities for Sustainable activities such as tourism and fishing Civil Society articulated
Development of propositions for a transboundary and integrated program for the Paraguay Parana Wetland System : meetings; expeditions; workshops, studies, and mostly by dialogues with decison makers and key actors.
Landmark for an institutional program: 2005 - First Agreement by the five countries, NGOs and international organisms for an Integrative and Transboundary Plan for these Wetlands: Integrating sustainable programs and initiatives; Build agenda of cooperation ; economic alternatives and conservation Provide continuality and enable conditions for development and implementation of the Programme;
What made the difference: Long term Strong articulation of civil society; Iddentification of commonalities Empowerment of local actors and stimulation of thematic networks understanding wetlands as an opportunity for development; Local knowledge Oppening Dialogues channels with decision makers, experts, and international organizations Creative tools to promote visibility and understanding; Valuing the natural social, economical and
Local knowledge and ecosystems can and should be seen as opportunities to sustainable development, integrating people and allowing livelihoods to develop. The negotiated approach can strongly contribute to this, by strengthening botton up processes and bridging the gap between key actors and different views.
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