Awarding of Doctor Honoris Causa to a CATIE Graduate in Paraguay

• San Carlos University of Paraguay (USC) recognized the outstanding work of agronomist Alfredo Silvio Molinas Maldonado.

San Carlos University of Paraguay (USC) paid special tribute to Alfredo Silvio Molinas Maldonado, a graduate of CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), by awarding him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in recognition of his contributions to Paraguay's scientific, productive, and agro-environmental development.

“This recognition reinforces my conviction that continuous innovation is essential in the field and academia, and that sustainability challenges go hand in hand with agriculture,” Molinas commented.

The Doctor Honoris Causa is the highest honor a university can bestow on an individual in recognition of their achievements in academic, scientific, or cultural fields.

On this occasion, the award was approved by the University Superior Council and presented by the rector of San Carlos University, Ronaldo Eno Dietze, during the 2024 National Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony held in Asunción.

CATIE’s role in his professional development

For Molinas, his training at CATIE's Graduate School was fundamental to his professional development, providing an academic and practical foundation in the rational planning of natural resource use at the watershed level, agroforestry, and rural development.

“The experience at CATIE connected me with international experts, which was essential for learning and later implementing innovative solutions in my country,” Molinas added.

Positive impact for the future

Molinas urges the student community and future CATIE graduates to take full advantage of the opportunities and tools offered by the institution and to stay alert to the challenges facing agronomy, such as continuous innovation, prioritizing food security, and conserving natural resources.

“This recognition motivates me to continue working on building policies and solutions that balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. My greatest desire is to inspire other professionals and young people to join this effort, generating significant changes to achieve truly sustainable development for our region and the world,” Molinas concluded.

About Alfredo Silvio Molinas Maldonado Alfredo Silvio Molinas Maldonado

Molinas is an agronomist with experience in leading institutional processes in various areas, particularly in planning and structuring government entities.

He has promoted the sustainable development of the agricultural sector by drafting 14 laws, particularly in Paraguay.

As a professional dedicated to teaching, he has continuously worked to promote good agricultural and environmental practices through applied research, the design of public policies, and the creation of productive and environmental conservation regulations.

He has served as Paraguay's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Executive Secretary Minister of the Secretariat of the Environment (SEAM), and Director of Environmental Planning (DOA) at the Subsecretariat of State for Natural Resources and the Environment (SSERNMA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.