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Welcome to Chaco Vivo—an ambitious and vital conservation project to protect and rejuvenate one of South America’s most critical ecosystems: the Gran Chaco. Spanning over 187,916 hectares of untouched forest, this initiative is Paraguay’s largest REDD+ project, committed to combating deforestation, preserving biodiversity, and empowering local communities.
Project Chaco Vivo (VERRA 3671) is the largest Avoided Planned Deforestation REDD+ Project in Paraguay’s Gran Chaco, aimed at halting legal deforestation while restoring vital ecosystems. By leveraging sustainable land management, reforestation, and community-driven conservation, the project generates high-integrity carbon credits while protecting biodiversity. Aligned with all 17 UN SDGs, Chaco Vivo delivers climate, social, and economic benefits, supporting Indigenous and rural communities. Chaco Vivo sets a new standard for impactful, scalable climate action.
Area Permitted for Legal Deforestation
108,000+ha
Chaco Vivo is a VCS-CCBS Avoided Planned Deforestation (APD) REDD+ project located in the Paraguayan Chaco. APD means the area is legally permitted to be deforested by permits issued by the government of Paraguay.
Property Size:
187,000+hectares (ha)
CO2e mitigated:
over 30 million tCO2e
Area Permitted for Legal Deforestation
108,000+ha
Chaco Vivo is a VCS-CCBS Avoided Planned Deforestation (APD) REDD+ project located in the Paraguayan Chaco. APD means the area is legally permitted to be deforested by permits issued by the government of Paraguay.
Property Size:
187,000+hectares (ha)
CO2e mitigated:
over 30 million tCO2e
Area Permitted for Legal Deforestation
The ramifications of deforestation in the Paraguayan Chaco extend beyond regional boundaries, exerting a substantial impact on the global… Read More
The ramifications of deforestation in the Paraguayan Chaco extend beyond regional boundaries, exerting a substantial impact on the global… Read More
Triple Gold project verification from the CCBS for exceptional impact on climate, communities, and biodiversity.
Protecting and enhancing habitats for endangered and endemic flora and fauna
Concept
Under validation
Validated
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The project developer expects to deliver net emission reductions of nearly 30 million tons CO2e over the 10-year project period. Request an integrity check to validate these claims using objective remote-sensing data below.
Accumulative Change in Baseline Carbon Stocks between 2022 and 2031
The project is expected to sequester ~33 million tons CO2e by 2031 across four carbon pools: Deadwood (4.49%), Below Ground Biomass (17.08%), Litter (19.66%), and Above Ground Biomass (58.78%). This breakdown underscores the critical role Above Ground Biomass plays in achieving the overall sequestration target.
Analysis of historical global forest loss data indicates that fluctuations in the project area are comparatively minor, underscoring the positive impact of ongoing conservation efforts. Despite occasional increases, such as the peak loss of 1,296 hectares in 2017, the generally low figures, including a minimal loss of 2,36 hectares in 2019, highlight the effectiveness of the project in protecting the forest. These results affirm the critical need for continued support and intervention to sustain and enhance this positive outcome.
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Analysis of our Above Ground Biomass (AGB) layer from 2015 to 2023 shows shifts in biomass categories. Notably, no to very low biomass areas increased from about 6.19 to 573 hectares, indicating vegetation loss. However, high and very high biomass areas improved, with very high biomass rising from roughly 122,506 to 134,588 hectares. These changes highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts to manage lower biomass areas and bolster forest health and sustainability.
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Changes in Above Ground Biomass within the Project Area
Leveraging advanced fire mapping, our data shows distinct fire patterns near the project area over time. Within the area of interest (AOI), fire incidents varied but were frequent, peaking at 1,634 in 2013. Outside the AOI, within a 10km radius, fire activity was also variable, with a peak of 2,105 incidents in 2020. This highlights the need for our conservation efforts to effectively manage and mitigate fire risks in and around the protected area.
Our adverse weather analysis allows us to better model the risk of disturbances from natural disasters. Our cyclone and tsunami hazard analyses reveal a low to medium corresponding risk of impairment, while our river flood hazard analysis reveals risk of river flooding, with flood heights typically between 0.0 – 1.0 meters. Overall the risks appear tolerable with adequate management and prevention techniques.
The Gran Chaco is more than just a forest; it’s a living, breathing sanctuary for over 3,400 plant species, 500 bird species, and numerous endangered animals like the jaguar and Chacoan peccary. Nestled in this rich tapestry of life is Laguna Ganzo
a vital refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. This project is your gateway to understanding and contributing to preserving these irreplaceable natural treasures.
Paraguay’s forests are threatened—losing over 1,000 hectares of tree cover daily due to agricultural expansion and illegal logging. Without immediate intervention, these forests could disappear within our lifetime. Chaco Vivo aims to reverse this trend by protecting the remaining forest, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring conservation benefits reach those most.
Chaco Vivo, in partnership with TransparenC, has developed a proprietary AI-powered real-time system for monitoring deforestation and degradation using remote sensing. This cutting-edge technology identifies illegal activities like unlawful harvesting and the creation of illegal airstrips for narcotics trafficking, allowing us to catch bad actors in real time. When such activities are detected, immediate reports are generated and shared with collaborating Paraguayan law enforcement agencies, including SENAD (the National Anti-Drug Secretariat), local law enforcement, and MADES (Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development) environmental police. This ensures that Project Chaco Vivo maintains the highest levels of integrity. Chaco Vivo is the only project in Paraguay using this advanced monitoring technology.
Chaco Vivo is redefining conservation through advanced Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting (MRV) systems, ensuring the highest standards of transparency. We collaborate with third-party organizations like TransparenC.io to rigorously monitor the project, both internally and externally. While our Forest Ranger program leads efforts to combat illegal activities and protect biodiversity, we are also pioneering blockchain technology to enhance transparency and partnering with global organizations to further expand the impact of our work.
Chaco Vivo is redefining conservation through advanced Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting (MRV) systems, ensuring the highest standards of transparency. We collaborate with third-party organizations like TransparenC.io to rigorously monitor the project, both internally and externally. While our Forest Ranger program leads efforts to combat illegal activities and protect biodiversity, we are also pioneering blockchain technology to enhance transparency and partnering with global organizations to further expand the impact of our work.
At the heart of Chaco Vivo is a deep commitment to sustainable development. Our mission is not just about conservation but also about fostering resilience within the Indigenous and rural communities who call this region home. Through the L.I.F.E. Program™ (Livelihood Initiatives & Forest Enterprises Program), we are working to improve the livelihoods of these communities while preserving their cultural heritage.
Chaco Vivo is a collaborative effort, and we invite you to join us. Whether you’re an environmentalist, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the planet, there’s a place for you in our mission. Together, we can ensure that the Gran Chaco remains a vibrant ecosystem for generations.
By 2061, Chaco Vivo aims to have protected over 500,000 hectares of forest, reduced millions of tons of CO2 emissions, and uplifted thousands of lives. This is not just a project; it’s a legacy. We are committed to long-term ecological health, community well-being, and the sustainable development of the Gran Chaco region.
Join our Chaco Vivo community by signing up for our newsletter. Receive the latest updates on our conservation efforts, success stories, and how we’re making a positive impact on the environment and communities. Be a part of our mission for a sustainable future! Sign up now and stay connected.
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The methodology includes the aggregation of carbon measurement data across various strata, calculated at regular intervals to assess the net change in baseline carbon levels. Each data point represents the cumulative sum of net changes from the start of the recording period, showcasing overall trends and the impact of carbon management strategies. Source: Chaco Vivo Monitoring Report
The methodology used for estimating CO2e sequestration, as detailed in the ‘Chaco Vivo Monitoring Report’, includes aggregating carbon measurement data across various strata. These measurements are calculated at regular intervals to assess the net changes in baseline carbon levels from the start of the recording period. This approach highlights cumulative trends and the effectiveness of carbon management strategies over time, providing a comprehensive view of the overall environmental impact. Each data point reflects the cumulative total of all previous measurements, ensuring a holistic assessment of progress toward the project’s goals. Source: Chaco Vivo Monitoring Report.
The methodology involved a systematic analysis of the Global Forest Loss Dataset, covering the period from 2001 to 2023, to assess temporal changes in Forest coverage within the Chaco Vivo project area.
In this study, the Above Ground Biomass (AGB) Distribution Layer was generated using satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, employing the formula 305.9xNDVI^4.264 to accurately calculate the AGB for each pixel. This approach provided a precise reflection of vegetation biomass density. The AGB data was then classified into five distinct categories based on biomass values: No Biomass (<1 ton/ha), Low Biomass (1 – 25 ton/ha), Moderate Biomass (25 – 50 ton/ha), High Biomass (50 – 100 ton/ha), and Very High Biomass (>100 ton/ha). This classification facilitated a nuanced understanding of vegetation density variations across different areas.
The fire hazard analysis for the project area, conducted from 2012 to 2021, leveraged the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 375 m Active Fire Product from the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) and NOAA-20 satellites. This advanced technology was instrumental in pinpointing fire hotspots within the project area and its surrounding vicinity, covering a radius of 10km. Utilizing VIIRS’ high-resolution data, the study provided an in-depth spatial and temporal mapping of fire events, crucial for assessing fire dynamics and patterns over this extended period.
Our methodology integrates several high-resolution global datasets to model and understand the various weather-related risks impacting terrestrial conservation. For landslide risk assessment, we utilize the Global Landslide Hazard Map, produced by ThinkHazard! (www.thinkhazard.org). This map provides a qualitative representation of global landslide hazards, combining data from the Median Annual Rainfall-Triggered Landslide Hazard (1980-2018) and Earthquake-Triggered Landslide Hazard. It categorizes regions into four hazard levels from ‘Very Low’ to ‘High’, based on ThinkHazard!’s classification system. This dataset is crucial for identifying areas with heightened landslide risk and for planning appropriate mitigation strategies. In our drought hazard analysis, we use data from the Global Drought Hazard project, focusing on the Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) with a 6-month aggregation period. The analysis, based on the Climatology and Climate Services Laboratory’s Global SPEI Database, spans January 1902 to December 2018. The datasets, with a spatial resolution of about 0.5 degrees, are converted into time series for each grid cell to model the frequency of drought events with SPEI values of -2 or lower, using Poisson-Generalized Pareto Point Process models over a 25-year return period. This detailed approach helps pinpoint high-risk areas and determine drought frequency for effective water resource management. For river flood risk assessment, we refer to the River Flood Hazard Map provided by the Joint Research Centre (JRC), which delineates flood-prone areas globally for events with a 10-year return period. This data, with a resolution of 30 arcseconds (approximately 1km), quantifies potential water depths during flooding, which is crucial for assessing flood exposure and risk to populations and assets. This data is instrumental in our river flood risk management strategy, allowing for precise planning and response actions to mitigate river flood impacts.
