Interview with Fernando Méndez, Paraguays national representative to the IAI
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Fernando Méndez Gamboa is a professor at the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of the National University of Asunción (UNA) and Paraguay's permanent national representative to the IAI. He specializes in exact sciences and works in the fields of physics, mathematics, statistics, and geology. His field of knowledge is atmospheric physics, a field he became interested in through his participation in the annual meeting of the IAI Conference of the Parties in 2009, held in Bogotá, Colombia.
What is the role of the IAI in Paraguay and what impact do you think the institution has had?
The IAI is a fundamental institution; it opens very concrete doors for scientific development. Each member country has a focal point, and we are the IAI in our respective countries. This means that, beyond representation at the Conference of the Parties, we must promote its scientific potential in our communities. I have met Paraguayan colleagues who, through IAI activities such as workshops or conferences, ended up doing master's or doctoral degrees and even joined international research networks.
What are Paraguay's current priorities in terms of global environmental change?
Global environmental change encompasses multiple dimensions: climate change, desertification, and biodiversity loss, among others. In the last five years, Paraguay has faced severe events, such as three consecutive years of the La Niña phenomenon, which caused a drastic drop in rainfall. This has impacted our river transport (vital for a landlocked country), our economy, and our agricultural and livestock production. It is no longer just an environmental problem: it has direct social and economic consequences. That is why our projects today also involve the social sciences and seek to influence public policy, not just produce academic articles.
How is academia linked to the public and private sectors in Paraguay?
Over the past three years, we have strengthened collaboration with these sectors. A concrete example is the creation of the Center for Research on Global Environmental Change. This center brings together eight of the country's ten universities, the private sector (productive, industrial, and services), and the public sector (such as the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Public Works). The goal is to generate relevant science that responds to society's needs and can also be translated into public policy.
How does Paraguay collaborate with other countries in the region?
We participate in research projects, workshops, and regional networks. Some Paraguayans have taken part in IAI science diplomacy workshops, and we are now organizing one in Paraguay, together with the IAI Conference of the Parties. Science diplomacy is key today because many environmental problems require international negotiations. One example is the recent need to reach bilateral agreements with Brazil to guarantee hydroelectric power generation in Paraguay.
What kind of training are future professionals receiving to face the challenges of global environmental change?
Today, disciplines such as economics, law, physics, and climatology all have a role to play in global environmental change. At the faculty, we have created a Master's degree in Global Environmental Change, developed with the support of the IAI. It is virtual and open to students from across the region. We also offer programs in sustainable development. A degree is no longer the end goal: continuous training is key.
Based on your international experience, what global trends are shaping this field?
One of the major trends is the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence. It is no longer the future, it is the present. This requires updating curricula and institutional capacities. Another key aspect is international agreements, which require countries to develop resilience to adapt to global changes. In Paraguay, for example, there is tension between reducing emissions and maintaining a strong agricultural and livestock model. That is why it is essential to negotiate well at international tables and design realistic strategies.
What opportunities and challenges does the IAI face in the future?
The IAI is a great opportunity for countries, but it also requires commitment. The responsibility cannot be left entirely to the institute: countries must act as active partners. This includes maintaining or increasing contributions, providing financial support, and taking advantage of its programs. More workshops, more scholarships, more research. But that is only possible if there is shared responsibility.
What message would you like to share with readers?
In 2025, Paraguay hosted two important IAI events: a workshop on science diplomacy and the Conference of the Parties. It was an opportunity to position the country in these debates. We want to invite everyone to learn about and take advantage of what the IAI offers the Americas; it is an institution that opens doors, connects, and builds the future.
See the full interview here: https://youtu.be/xQJYIaXUq8k