Asuncion, Paraguay, March 2022

Right after completing my mission in Argentina, in March 2022, I took a flight from Buenos Aires to Asunción to begin another urgent assessment—this time, focusing on the impact of severe drought on communities in Paraguay Alto region.

Asunción – A City of Surprises

My visit began with meetings in Asunción, where I had the opportunity to engage with NGOs, UN agencies, and local authorities working on humanitarian response and disaster preparedness.

One of the biggest surprises was meeting Marta, an amazing Polish woman working at the EU Delegation. We quickly connected, and she soon became a wonderful friend, adding a personal highlight to this mission.

Another fascinating visit was to the local fire services, where I learned about their work in disaster response and preparedness. Given the frequency of wildfires and climate-related emergencies in Paraguay, their role is critical in protecting communities and natural ecosystems.

Despite the serious nature of my mission, I also took time to discover Asunción, especially its Old City, where colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks created a unique and lively atmosphere.

Heading to Paraguay Alto – A Harsh and Unforgiving Landscape

After completing my meetings in the capital, I set off on a long journey by car to Puerto Casado, passing through Rosa Mística and Com Indig el Estribo-20 de Enero.

The further I travelled, the drier and more extreme the conditions became. Paraguay Alto is already known for its harsh climate, but the prolonged drought had pushed communities to the edge of survival.

The Drought Crisis and the Struggles of Indigenous Communities

The indigenous communities in Paraguay Alto were facing not only extreme drought but also deep social and economic injustices:
• Water shortages – Many communities lacked access to clean water, forcing them to rely on contaminated sources or travel long distances to find what little was available.
• Loss of traditional livelihoods – The drought made hunting, fishing, and small-scale farming nearly impossible, putting traditional ways of life at risk.
• Environmental degradation – Overfarming, deforestation, and irresponsible land use by large corporations had worsened the crisis, leaving indigenous groups with fewer resources to survive.
• Neglect and bad governance – Many communities felt abandoned by the authorities, with little to no government support to help them adapt to the crisis.

The Role of NGOs and the UN in Supporting Communities

Despite these enormous challenges, humanitarian organisations were working hard to assist the affected communities. NGOs like COOPI and UN agencies were playing a critical role in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
• COOPI (Cooperazione Internazionale) was particularly impressive—their team was highly knowledgeable, dedicated, and deeply engaged with the local communities. They were:
• Helping develop water management solutions to cope with drought.
• Training communities on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.
• Advocating for stronger protections for indigenous rights.

Their work was outstanding, and I felt incredibly grateful for their hospitality and expertise throughout my mission.

Reflections on Paraguay Alto

This trip was eye-opening, reinforcing the urgent need for climate action, environmental justice, and stronger disaster preparedness.

The people of Paraguay Alto are incredibly resilient, but without proper support and sustainable policies, their struggles will only worsen. The work of COOPI, the UN, and other humanitarian organisations remains essential in ensuring these communities can adapt and survive in an increasingly difficult environment.

Leaving Paraguay, I carried with me a deep admiration for those fighting for change—and a renewed sense of urgency to continue supporting communities affected by climate disasters.

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