Chacovivo

Ecosystems

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are one of the most important objectives of our lifetime.

The Vital Web of Life in the Gran Chaco

Chaco Vivo is in one of South America’s most ecologically significant regions – the Gran Chaco. This vast and diverse landscape is the second-largest forest in Latin America, following the Amazon, and stretches across Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. The Paraguayan Chaco, a vital component of this biome, is a mosaic of ecosystems, each playing a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting local communities.

A Diverse Ecosystem Under Siege

The Gran Chaco is a unique ecological region characterized by various landscapes, including dry forests, wetlands, savannas, and scrublands. It is home to over 3,400 plant species, 500 bird species, and hundreds of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Among its inhabitants are iconic species such as the jaguar, the Chacoan peccary, and the giant armadillo. This region is a biodiversity hotspot and a critical area for carbon storage, making its conservation vital in the fight against climate change.irreplaceable natural treasures.

However, the Gran Chaco is under significant threat from human activities. Since 1985, approximately 20% of its forest cover has been lost, primarily due to agricultural expansion, particularly for cattle ranching and soy production. This deforestation has been most severe in Paraguay, where loose regulations and the global demand for beef and soy have led to rapid land conversion. The environmental consequences are severe, leading to habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and changes in the local climate ​(NASA Earth Observatory, Mongabay).

A Keystone for Environmental Services

The Paraguayan Chaco is crucial not only for its biodiversity but also for the environmental services it provides. These ecosystems are vital in water regulation, supporting large wetland areas critical for local wildlife and human populations. The Chaco also acts as a carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change’s impacts by storing vast amounts of carbon in its forests and soils.

Additionally, the region supports unique Indigenous and rural communities that have lived harmoniously with the land for centuries. Their traditional knowledge and practices are integral to the sustainable management of these ecosystems. However, the pressures of deforestation and climate change threaten their way of life and the delicate balance of the Chaco’s ecosystems​ (The Nature Conservancy).

Deforestation Pressures:The Race Against Time

Deforestation in the Gran Chaco is driven by several factors, including the expansion of agriculture, particularly soy cultivation and cattle ranching. Technological advancements have enabled farming in areas previously unsuitable due to low rainfall, further accelerating deforestation. In Paraguay, the rate of deforestation is among the highest in the world, with significant portions of the Chaco being cleared each year.

The loss of forest cover has far-reaching consequences. As the forests are cleared, the species that depend on them for habitat are pushed to extinction. The fragmentation of these ecosystems also disrupts the natural processes that regulate climate and water cycles, leading to more frequent and severe floods and droughts. Furthermore, deforestation in the Chaco contributes to global climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere​ (NASA Earth Observatory, The Nature Conservancy, Mongabay).

Protecting a Global Treasure

The Gran Chaco's ecosystems are not just important on a local or regional scale—they are of global significance. Preserving these ecosystems is critical for maintaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Conservation efforts, such as those undertaken by Chaco Vivo, are essential in reversing the damage caused by deforestation and ensuring that the Gran Chaco continues to provide its invaluable environmental services.

Chaco Vivo’s work is a beacon of hope in this landscape, demonstrating that it is possible to protect and restore these vital ecosystems with careful planning and community involvement. By maintaining and expanding protected areas, promoting sustainable land use practices, and involving local communities in conservation efforts, we can help secure the future of the Gran Chaco​ (The Nature Conservancy).