Latest Embassy News

Over $500.000 in assistance from the U.S. to fight fires 09/20/07 To protect the ecological patrimony of Paraguay and provide humanitarian aid for the displaced To this date, the Embassy of the United States in Paraguay has destined more than 500,000

dollars in emergency assistance to fight the wildfires that are menacing the Reserves of the Atlantic Forest, an important part of the ecological patrimony of Paraguay, and provide humanitarian support for the displaced population. The funds are being used for the acquisition of equipment and gear for firefighters as well as humanitarian aid (food and medicine) that will be channeled through the Moises Bertoni Foundation and the Red Cross.

North American cooperation includes the presence of a forest fire expert, Maria Luisa Alfaro. The expert is already working with Paraguayan authorities analyizing the condition of forest fires and crops, and providing the necessary recommendations to the governments of Paraguay and the United States about the measures to be taken. The expert’s recommendations will allow continued help of existing and appropriate emergency assistance from the United States government.

The amount in assistance totals over 500,000 U.S. dollars. This contribution is part of the donation of the Embassy of the United States, in February, which consisted of 1230 fire resistant pants to Paraguayan firefighters valued in approximately 83,000 dollars. The Embassy of the United States has been instructing local authorities and more than 600 Paraguayan firefighters in technical training, use of equipment and fire management to combat forest fires in the last years. All this knowledge and equipment are currently being used to fight the wildfires.