Putting Into Practice What I Learned in the Diploma in Environmental Policy and Management Tools Course

In 2010 I obtained a scholarship to study at the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid, Spain. The three-month Diploma in Environmental Policy and Management Tools included academic training for European policies in water resource administration, solid waste management, conservation of habitats, analysis of noise and air pollution, marine conservation, and others. Classes included a week's stay at the Veolia Environment SA premises in Paris, France.

The diploma, developed and financed by Global Operator of Infrastructure and Services (FCC Spain), Veolia Group France, and the Carolina Foundation, helped me strengthen community-building processes on environmental issues. The course also allowed me to collaborate with students from nine Latin American countries, who like me, received a scholarship. The exchanging of ideas with my classmates and teachers and field visits to recycling companies, environmental protection areas, water agencies, and other public and private companies enriched my knowledge of environmental stewardship.

After returning from Madrid, I had the opportunity to apply some of the skills I learned. I designed a project to put into practice some of the initiatives developed in Spain. The project included an analysis of Mexican policies regarding solid waste management and finding ways to strengthen local efforts for its implementation. The project incorporated training workshops for local authorities, the design of a database using ArcGIS software and recommendations.

Another project included conducting an inventory of maquiladoras and produce packing companies that integrated successful environmental regulations. The project helped me understand the dynamics of appropriation and implementation of environmental laws in Mexico on the United States border. Both studies helped the Sonora state authorities to design and implement changes regarding the management of solid waste.