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Welcome to Chaco Vivo, a bold and transformative effort to protect and revitalize the Gran Chaco in Paraguay, one of South America’s most essential and endangered ecosystems. Spanning 187,916 hectares of vital ecosystems, this landmark initiative is Paraguay’s largest and most impactful REDD+ project. With a mission to fight deforestation, preserve rich biodiversity, and empower local communities, Chaco Vivo is setting a new standard for sustainable conservation and ecological stewardship.
The Gran Chaco is one of the most biodiverse regions in South America, home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Despite its ecological importance, the region has faced severe threats from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and climate change. By the early 2000s, the Gran Chaco was losing over 1,000 hectares of forest every day, making it one of the most deforested areas on the planet. This alarming rate of deforestation, coupled with the socio-economic challenges faced by local and Indigenous communities, underscored the urgent need for a large-scale, integrated conservation effort. To combat and reverse this trend, Chaco Vivo was born.
Chaco Vivo was formally initiated in 2021 as a response to these pressing challenges. The project was conceived by a coalition of environmental organizations, local stakeholders, and international partners to create a sustainable model that addresses environmental and social issues. By 2022, Chaco Vivo was officially registered with VERRA (https://registry.verra.org/
app/projectDetail/CCB/3671), one of the world’s leading standards for climate action projects. This registration marked a significant milestone, positioning Chaco Vivo as one of the highest integrity and impactful projects within the global REDD+ framework (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).
From 2021 to 2022, Chaco Vivo focused on establishing the necessary frameworks for success. This included planning, engaging with local and Indigenous communities, and setting up the initial phases of the L.I.F.E. Program™ (Livelihood Initiatives & Forest Enterprises Program). Key milestones during this period included the development of comprehensive baseline studies, the implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols, and the initiation of pilot projects in sustainable agriculture and reforestation.
With its official registration in 2022, Chaco Vivo expanded its reach, protecting over 187,000 hectares of forest within the Gran Chaco. The project’s impact on local communities also grew, with hundreds of individuals benefiting from new employment opportunities, educational programs, and improved access to healthcare. During this period, Chaco Vivo developed its Project Description document and prepared for validation and verification of the project.
Since its official registration, Chaco Vivo has continued to innovate and adapt in response to new challenges and opportunities. The project has embraced advanced technologies for monitoring and verification, such as satellite imagery and blockchain, to enhance transparency and accountability. Additionally, Chaco Vivo has expanded its educational and economic programs, focusing on empowering women and Indigenous communities.
Chaco Vivo’s history is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of a holistic approach to conservation. As the project continues to evolve, its mission remains to protect the Gran Chaco’s unique ecosystems, support sustainable development, and create lasting positive impacts for people and the planet. With ongoing support from local communities and global partners, Chaco Vivo is poised to continue its legacy as a conservation and sustainable development leader.
The project is scaling its efforts to over 300,000 hectares for REDD+, with an ambitiouslong-term vision to launch the Chaco Vivo Million Hectare Restoration Initiative in 2025.This landmark ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) project will begin with a100,000-hectare restoration effort using all native Paraguayan Chaco species, integratinginnovative solutions such as biochar production to improve soil health, enhance carbonsequestration, and boost ecosystem resilience. The ultimate goal is to scale this initiativeto 1 million hectares, creating one of the region’s most significant ecosystem restoration efforts.
Beyond ARR, Chaco Vivo is driving other transformative carbon projects forward over the next 40 years. These include biofuel production, sustainable waste management initiatives, and integrated solutions that tackle carbon emissions across multiple sectors. Together, these efforts reflect Chaco Vivo’s commitment to addressing climate change holistically while fostering biodiversity and supporting sustainable livelihoods in the Gran Chaco and beyond.
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