Toute l'actualitéAs a strategic aspect of Reforest'Action's international development, our global network of Project Officers allows us to deploy our expertise as close as possible to the areas where we operate and to our local project leaders. Based near Coatepec and Veracruz, in Mexico, our Project Officer Alejandra Paras is in charge of monitoring Reforest'Action's projects in Mexico and Guatemala and searching for new projects. Interview.
Her commitment to the environment...
Water is a powerful force that connects us all. Through my work with communities caring for the commons, I have learned this valuable lesson. It's not just about preserving our natural resources, but also about fostering a deep connection with nature. We must make peace with the rivers and allow them to flow freely, unencumbered by human interference. Only then can we truly understand the importance of water in uniting territories, people, and landscapes.
Her background before Reforest'Action...
I am an agroecologist with a Master's degree in Environmental Education and a specialization in Soil and Watershed Management. As a graduate of the forestry and community forestry program, I am well-versed in the management of forested areas for both ecological and social benefits. My education has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess forest health, develop sustainable management plans, and engage with local communities to promote conservation efforts. My passion for this field is driven by my desire to preserve natural resources while also promoting human well-beingMy expertise in Mexican agrarian law has provided me with the necessary tools to work closely with rural and indigenous communities. I understand their needs and am committed to finding solutions that benefit everyone involved. Through my experience, I have developed a specialization in socio-environmental conflict management and human rights. My degrees and certifications reflect my dedication to these fields and my desire to continue learning and growing as a professional. With my knowledge and skills, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on any project or case I take on.
For the past ten years, I provided technical support to rural and indigenous communities. I have actively participated in training processes for community-based land management with indigenous and rural ommunities across the country. For the past twelve years I have collaborated with social movements promoting a human rights based national water law proposal. As an agroecologist, my work is centered around creating sustainable agriculture and environmental programs. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many groups on a variety of projects, including designing agroforestry initiatives and developing educational programs for schools, co-ops and communities. My focus is on promoting environmentally-conscious practices that can help individuals and communities thrive while also protecting our planet. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to take action towards a more sustainable future.
My commitment is to water and watershed protection. For the past 12 years, I have been involved in promoting the management and maintenance of watersheds and community water systems. For the past 16 years I’ve been involved in projects focusing onprotecting terrestrial ecosystems in conjunction with local rural communities. I have worked in different ecosystems but I have a particular passion for Mexican deserts, because of their complexity and fragility.
Her missions and responsibilities for Reforest'Action...
As Project Officer for Reforest'Action, I do research, development and monitoring of forestry and carbon projects in Mexico and Guatemala y missions consist of identifying and selecting new projects. I present project proposals to Reforest'Action for validation, I develop due diligence or field missions, and follow up on missions and activities and writing reports. I represent Reforest'Action in Mexico, with federal authorities and project leaders. I participate in forums to make Reforest'Action known to potential project leaders.
Her vision of the Mexican forest...
In recent years, climate change is being felt, resulting in increased desertification and temperatures, disruption of the rainy and warm seasons, increased storms and hurricanes. The loss of forests in Mexico is accelerating, especially due to forest fires associated with increasing temperatures. Many communities are being forced to leave their territories due to the impacts of climate change. The cause of this is human activity, such as intensive cattle ranching, massive agricultural production for export, mining, oil extraction that threatens the forests, but also tourism that is intensifying in the country.
The forestry projects for which she is responsible...
I am in charge of three projects in Mexico: - The Veracruz project, with our project implementer AMEBOSCO, accompanies vanilla and spice producers in a gradual transition from old orange monocultures to agroforestry systems via the creation of edible forests. - With AMEBOSCO, we are also working on the opportunity study to develop a carbon project according to the ARR methodology. - The Palizada project, conducted in the field by Planalto, aims to restore the jaguar ecosystem in the state of Campeche.
The added value of her local presence in the supervision of projects...
My experience and knowledge of Mexican agrarian, forestry, and environmental law due to my training and background in the environmental sector facilitate my work as part of the Reforest’Action team. I have much experience in the field, working with rural and indigenous communities, with deep respect for their voices, initiatives, and world-vision. I have also participated as a human rights adovocate, establishing close ties of trust that have allowed us to implement defense strategies in complex settings. . Mexico is a territory of astonishing biocultural complexity, with an enormous biodiversity. I work with the utmost respect for the voices of the communities regarding their territories and decision making processes..
