Paraguay | Actively Working to Promote Crafts as a Tourist Attraction

Paraguay is actively working to promote crafts as a tourist attraction. The Paraguayan National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) and the Paraguayan Institute of Handicraft (IPA) are integrating artisanal traditions with national tourism reinforcing joint work to promote this initiative making crafts a driver to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the country.

This initiative led by the Minister of Tourism, Jacinto Santa María, and representatives of the IPA, headed by its president Andrea Vázquez, was launched in a meeting where they analyzed the advances in the artisanal circuits that seek to strengthen the production, marketing and economic development of artisans as a relevant resource for tourism and the national economy. 

This collaboration aims to empower local artisans, including indigenous communities by boosting commercial skills and promoting regional heritage like Ao Po’i textiles, a delicate handmade 100% cotton textile distinguished by its intricate hand - embroidery, Ñanduti lace, a traditional needle lace whose Guarani name translates to “spider web.”, featuring intricate, radiating geometric spokes and vibrant motifs, and cedar wood carvings to visitors.

Both institutions highlighted the importance of integrating artisans and their creations into the Paraguayan tourist landscape, in order to increase the visibility of their products to the preservation of national traditions. Thr two entities also evaluated the diversification of the artisanal circuits to benefit more communities, promote cultural exchange and foster sustainable development throughout the country.

This partnership connects traditional crafts to major routes like the “Golden Circuit” making cultural appreciation a cornerstone of the country’s broader tourism growth. In addition the IPA is advancing copyright protection and commercial skill - building to ensure these creations thrive in the market.

Link

https://senatur.gov.py/noticias/buscan-promocionar-la-artesania-como-atractivo-turistico/

India | Successfully Brought 21.76 Million Hectares of Degraded and Deforested Land Under Active Restoration

India successfully brought 21.76 million hectares of degraded and deforested land under active restoration. This remarkable achievement accounts for nearly 84% of the country’s pledge to reclaim 26 million hectares by 2030 under the global Bonn Challenges. 

The works are carried out throughout the national territory and include the restoration of forests, rivers watersheds, grasslands, mangroves, wetlands and agricultural lands. Particular attention is paid to tree planting agroforestry, develoment, grassland protection and coastal ecosystem restoration, which is important for both nature and rural dwellers. 

Among the achievements is also the treatment of more than 27 million hectares within the framework of the watershed management facilities with georeferencing. Under the “Green India” programme, re -vegetation and forest restoration work has been carried out on an area of approximately 172.000 hectares.

In addition with the support of the National Reforestation Compensation Fund Management and Planning IIn addition Authority (CAMPA), some 220. 000 hectares have been reforested in the last five years. 

Talangana state has taken the lead in maximum area restored, closely followed by Andhra Pradesh ,Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. 

These vast restoration efforts have generated approximately 1.2 billion person - days of employment, significantly boosting rural livelihoods and climate resilience. 

India relies on a blend of policy initiatives, scientific interventions, and community - led participation to combat desertification. 

Methods Used for Reclamation: 

•    Agroforestry and Silviculture: Integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. 
•    Aravalli Green Wall Initiative: A massive ongoing project designed to restore degraded land and establish a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the That Desert. 
•    Mangrove Restoration: Programs like MISHTI are actively rehabilitating coastal ecosystems to prevent erosion and increase resilience against severe weather. 
•    Digital Monitoring: Advanced spatial platforms like Bhuwan, Vedas, and Yuktdhara are used to plan and scientifically track restoration progress. 

These measures are of great importance for the future food and environmental security of the country. Experts note that these initiatives are particularly relevant for India’s arid region, as they directly impact the yield of agricultural crops, including fodder, water availability and the income level of the population.

 
Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-lucha-contra-la-desertificaci-n-recuperando-21-76-millones-de-hect-reas-de-tierras-en-el-pa-s/

Zimbabwe | ZBC Launched Africa’s Forst Weekly Wildlife TV Magazine Series

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Zimbabwe’s state - owned national broadcasting service, operating television and radio from its Pocket Hills headquarters in Harare launched on 30 June 2026 ”ZBC’s Wild Africa Adventures”, marking the debut of Africa’s first weekly wildlife television magazine series.

The 13 - episode series follows presenters Rumbie Takawira, Dr Mark Ofua and Zandile Ndhlovu as they document conservation efforts across the continent, highlighting on - the - ground conservation heroes, celebrity advocates like Lupita Nyong’o,. Danai Gurira, Djimon Hounsou and African wildlife in a bid to fight Africa’s declining populations and habitat loss.

The series is produced in Cape Town by Wild Africa, with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Tammy Estrada Strome Foundation and will air across multiple African broadcasters.

Created specifically for African audiences, the series aims to raise awareness of the continent, by spotlighting accelerating wildlife crises over the past 50 years, Africa’s monitored wildlife populations have decided by 70% with an estimated 3.9 million of forest annually.

Episodes span a wide range of conservation stories, from sea turtle rescue in Nigeria and pangolin protection in Namibia to Zimbabwe’s all female anti - poaching unit.

The program focuses heavily on how humans and animals can coexist, such as exploring chili farming to prevent human - elephant conflicts.

By intertwining cultural community leadership with celebrity segments, the series ensures conservation messages are engaging and reach a broad, multi - generational audience.

ZBC Director of Content and Channels Charles Munganasa noted that the series aligns with the broadcaster’s commitment to dedicating at least a quarter of its contest to Zimbabwe’s wildlife and natural heritage, while Wild Africa CEO Peter Knights Obe described the show as a platform to showcase Africans with  passion to protect their incredible wildlife.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/zbc-launches-africa-s-first-weekly-wildlife-tv-magazine-series.html