International statesman visits Wales to find out about world-leading environmental law

16 October 2012

An international prize-winning activist and former environment minister of Paraguay has visited Cardiff to find out how Wales is leading the world in environmental protection.

Oscar Rivas, a representative of Friends of the Earth Paraguay, met with Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM, the Chair of the Assembly's Environment and Sustainability Committee, to discuss the situation in Paraguay and hear about the work of the Assembly and the sustainable development law that is being developed in Wales.

The meeting was organised by Friends of the Earth Cymru, as Mr Rivas was visiting Europe to hold discussions with governments, politicians and environmental organisations in Germany and the UK.

Rivas also proposed that a youth delegation from Paraguay should visit Wales to talk about the impact of land-grabbing on their rural communities, and see how communities and politicians can work together to build a sustainable future.

Speaking from Cardiff, former Environment Minister of Paraguay Oscar Rivas said:

"Wales is a source of inspiration to us in Paraguay, and shows that another world - and a sustainable future - is possible.

"There are many similarities between our countries, and it has been a pleasure to visit Wales and learn more about the progressive green agenda and sustainable development.

"I am very grateful for the support we've received for our struggle in Paraguay from politicians and organisations and hope that we can build on this cooperation in future."

Friends of the Earth Cymru Campaigner Haf Elgar said:

"It's great to have such a highly respected international politician and environmentalist visit Wales. It shows there's real interest around the world about what we're doing here, especially on sustainable development.

"We need to make sure that we're aware of the environmental and social impacts we have in countries such as Paraguay, and create a sustainable world together using only our fair share of the earth's resources."