Five questions to Deborah Rezzoagli: from African studies to work in the Balkans

Today, we are launching a series of short interviews with key figures in our organization—individuals who have worked with CISP for years and whose dedication has helped shape our history.
Five questions to uncover the people, stories, and experiences that bring international cooperation to life in every corner of the world.

We begin with Deborah Rezzoagli, Director of the Eastern Europe and Asia Geographic Area.

Deborah, how long have you been with CISP, and how did you get involved in international cooperation?

International cooperation has always been my passion since my university years. In 1995, I pursued a Master's in International Development at STOA’ “Business School” in Naples, where I first learned about CISP. This connection led to an internship in Ethiopia, where I worked on evaluating a microcredit program. That initial experience with CISP was transformative and marked the start of my career in this field. Over the years, I’ve focused on research and international cooperation—starting in Africa, then expanding to the Balkans, as well as European countries and the Mediterranean region.

What are the major challenges in the geographic area you oversee?

One of the most significant challenges in the Balkans is environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, which are closely tied to the fight against climate change. Since 2017, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we have been working on a variety of initiatives - ranging from conducting scientific studies on flora, fauna, and habitats in protected areas to educating and raising awareness within communities about environmental issues. We’ve also encouraged sustainable tourism as a way to generate economic opportunities while strengthening the social fabric of local communities.
Additionally, we provided technical support to improve environmental policies and contributed to the expansion of protected areas by working closely with local institutions, universities, and associations. This is complex work that requires interdisciplinary expertise, constant collaboration, and a long-term strategic vision. Despite the complexities, the progress we’ve made demonstrates that we’re moving steadily in the right direction.

Is there a recent project you’re particularly proud of?

There are two interconnected projects that I’m especially proud of: the Biodiversity for Local Development project (completed in 2021) and the NaturBosniaHerzegovina project (concluded at the end of 2024). Both focused on the extraordinary protected areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the Konjuh Protected Landscape, Sutjeska National Park (the country’s oldest), and Blidinje Nature Park.
Over eight years, we engaged more than 20,000 people—including children, young people, schools, universities, small businesses, institutions, and civil society organizations—through hundreds of activities that had a significant impact on the region.
With the support of Italian botanical experts, the Bionaturalistic Studies Center in Genoa, and the University of Perugia, we conducted three significant scientific studies on the biodiversity of the Konjuh Protected Landscape, the Perućica forest in Sutjeska National Park, and Blidinje Nature Park. These studies generated over 10,000 thematic datasets on flora, fauna, and habitats. They identified species of high natural value that require specific monitoring and protection measures, analyzed water quality, and mapped fish species.
We also produced videos such as Unexplored Konjuh and Sutjeska: On the Path of History, highlighting the natural and historical richness of these unique territories.
In collaboration with local communities, civil society associations, and economic actors, we developed sustainable tourism packages now available for travelers seeking responsible and authentic experiences.
These projects are deeply meaningful to me because I know they’ve already left a lasting legacy. Universities, institutions, protected areas, and local communities have embraced and are continuing to replicate many of the initiatives we implemented. As CISP, we remain committed to this direction, developing new projects and expanding our efforts to other areas of the country."

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve experienced in this field?

One of the most beautiful and unforgettable moments occurred in 2014 during a mission in Armenia. After extensive work with young people and teachers on the right to education and quality learning, the group we had collaborated with organized a surprise event to thank me. They had set up a space showcasing their artistic and photographic works, created as part of the project, as a way of demonstrating how the experience had transformed their lives.
I was deeply moved and immensely grateful for the affection and warmth I felt in that moment. It was clear that, together with the extraordinary women on my team, we had provided these young people with a genuine opportunity for both personal and collective growth. It’s a memory I hold close to my heart.

What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned working in an international context?

To always prioritize people. Working alongside individuals from diverse cultures and countries, united by shared goals, enriches you in ways you can’t imagine. It fosters knowledge, courage, inner strength, and hope. This life lesson is one I strive to apply every single day.

This short testimony offers a glimpse not only into Deborah’s work but also into the impact that international cooperation can have on communities, territories, and people.
Stay tuned to this page to discover more stories of dedication and passion.