Link to video recording: https://www.facebook.com/uap1993/videos/373061487323256/
The event held in the city of Cobija on December 4, 2020, focused on the bachelor’s thesis defense of five (5) students from the Amazon University of Pando (UAP), Bolivia. The students gave a presentation on their thesis results carried out in the Alto Madera region, along with riverine communities of the Beni and Mamoré rivers. Results collected in the field were presented in a clear and systematized way, demonstrating mastery of their subjects. Students represented different schools and professions. For example, Eva Alvarez, majoring in social work, showed how livelihood structures changed in the Cachuela Mamoré community. Reynaldo Laruta, an environmental engineer major, showed forest degradation perspectives as perceived by the community members of two towns along the Beni river Cachuela Esperanza and Puerto Consuelo II. Vice-president of the UAP, Oscar Melgar, congratulated the students, as well as representatives of the respective departments, community leaders, teachers, and proud family members. The presence of Mrs. Lidia Antty, director of OCMA (Community Organization of Amazonian Women), enhanced the event when she thanked the five thesis students for having moved from their city to the communities where very little research is done. The communities that were the object of study were: Cachuela Esperanza, Cachuela Mamoré, Villa Bella, Puerto Consuelo I, and Puerto Consuelo II, all within Bolivian territory. The symposium was broadcast via Zoom, Facebook Live, and the university channel at the same time, with the virtual presence of professors from the University of Florida, GIA project partners, and researchers who were interested in the topics developed. The event ended with a photo session to remember the pleasant moment.
