Paraguay's Chaco Biosphere Reserve Remains a Hotspot for Forest Loss
Similar Articles
Paraguay's Poverty Rate Falls to 16 Percent, Marking Two Decades of Progress
Global Tropical Primary Forest Loss Slowed by 36% in 2025
South American Cloud Forests Face Major Losses by 2070, Study Finds
Brazil Renews Protection Order for Isolated Indigenous Territory Amid Continued Invasions
Brazilian State Protests Federal Agency's Remote Embargoes on Amazon Deforestation
Despite being expanded in 2011, Paraguay's Chaco Biosphere Reserve continues to be one of the country's worst-hit areas for forest loss, according to satellite analysis. The Gran Chaco, the world's largest tropical dry forest, lost approximately 5.2 million hectares between 2000 and 2020. This deforestation directly impacts the Indigenous Ayoreo-Totobiegosode people, who rely on the forest for their livelihood and are vulnerable to outside diseases.
Facts First
- The Chaco Biosphere Reserve in Paraguay was expanded in 2011 by about 2.78 million hectares.
- Satellite analysis shows the reserve is still one of the worst-hit areas for forest loss in the country.
- The Gran Chaco biome lost around 5.2 million hectares of forest between 2000 and 2020.
- The Indigenous Ayoreo-Totobiegosode rely on the forest for food, shelter, and medicine and lack immunity to outside diseases.
What Happened
Paraguay expanded its Chaco Biosphere Reserve in 2011 by approximately 2.78 million hectares. However, satellite imagery analyzed by Mongabay shows the reserve continues to be one of the areas in Paraguay worst hit by forest loss. The broader Gran Chaco biome experienced a loss of around 5.2 million hectares between 2000 and 2020.
Why this Matters to You
While the loss of a distant forest may seem abstract, the Gran Chaco's decline contributes to global biodiversity loss and climate change. For the Indigenous Ayoreo-Totobiegosode, this deforestation directly threatens their way of life, as they rely on the forest for food, shelter, and medicine. Their lack of immunity to many outside diseases makes contact with outsiders, which deforestation can facilitate, a significant health risk.
What's Next
Nonprofit organizations like Iniciativa Amotocodie are working to assist the Ayoreo in defending their forests. Advocacy from Indigenous leaders may continue to draw attention to the issue. The ongoing satellite monitoring suggests deforestation pressure is likely to persist, meaning continued advocacy and enforcement will be necessary to protect the remaining forest.