JULIO FERNANDES PROGRAMME OFFICER
ANDRÉS FRAIZ TECHNICAL OFFICER
I am Julio Fernandes, a Brazilian dedicated to my work at Wetlands International for the past five years. Growing up in the Brazilian countryside, I have always had a deep appreciation for the intricate relationship between people and nature. This passion led me to pursue a BSc in Geography and currently, I am a candidate for an MSc in territory management and planning. The intersection of people and nature finds its true essence in wetlands, and working for a global network dedicated to conserving and restoring these precious ecosystems for the benefit of both people and nature brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
My name is Andrés Fraiz, and I am a biologist deeply passionate about coastal ecosystems and their conservation. Working at Wetlands International allows me to pursue my true calling and address the issues that ignite my enthusiasm. The conservation of nature and the realisation that we must learn to coexist with it while harnessing the benefits of ecosystems and their services are crucial, especially in the face of climate change. Contributing to this cause brings me immense gratification. My specialisation lies in environmental management, but my greatest expertise revolves around aquatic and marine ecology as well as the restoration of coastal ecosystems. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the significance of these ecosystems and the urgent need to protect and restore them. Leadership and organizing work teams to address various challenges concerning wetlands have become a central part of my role. Resolving these issues is a constant source of motivation, driving me to connect with partners and build bridges among stakeholders. By bringing people together and fostering collaboration toward a common goal, I find great fulfillment. Water is the essence of life, yet we often fail to appreciate its value until we face its scarcity. Wetlands, being fragile ecosystems, cannot withstand the relentless onslaught of pollutants and debris. Climate change further emphasises the urgency of maintaining the well-being of wetlands, as they provide essential ecosystem services that protect us and provide vital resources. As a devoted conservationist and a lover of fish, I consider myself fortunate to have abundant opportunities to visit wetlands across the globe. These journeys allow me to witness the wonders of these ecosystems and deepen my appreciation for their significance.
Cooperation is the cornerstone of my work. I find myself in spaces where I can connect and foster collaboration among partners. The challenge of bringing people together, united by a common goal, is what truly inspires me.
After two challenging years of remote work, last year, we were finally able to reconnect with partners and people in person for project implementations in the region. Returning to the field reignites our ambition and reinforces the mission we have ahead of us in safeguarding wetlands for the well-being of both people and nature. Engaging people with wetlands is a priority for me! Facilitating dialogues across different scales, from grassroots community-based organisations (CBOs) to multilateral agreements and multinational companies, is crucial. Mobilizing people and sharing knowledge about the importance of wetlands allows individuals to recognise the vital role these ecosystems play in their lives.
Aerial view of the Parana Delta, Argentina
Wetlands International Annual Review 2022
Wetlands International Annual Review 2022
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