Climate Action Project: Protecting Forests in Paraguay
Discover how protecting the Gran Chaco, a vital carbon reservoir in Paraguay, is playing a crucial role in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and supporting local communities.
The Gran Chaco, South America's second-largest forest, spans Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil, storing tens of millions of tons of CO2 with each square kilometer containing around 13,000 tonnes of carbon. One of the world’s most ecologically diverse regions, it is home to a variety of ecosystems, from savannahs and wetlands to rainforests, sheltering thousands of plant and animal species.
However, despite its global significance, the Gran Chaco is under severe pressure. In Paraguay, deforestation has reached alarming levels, with forest loss in 2019 alone surging by 78%. On average, an area the size of a football field was cleared every two minutes. The main causes behind this destruction are cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, which have driven the clearing of millions of hectares of forest.
The Corazón Verde del Chaco Project
The Corazón Verde del Chaco Project located in Paraguay is a REDD+ initiative (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) launched to conserve vital forests, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable land use. Currently protecting 32,000 hectares of forest, the project aims to expand its reach to 300,000 hectares, safeguarding one of South America's most carbon-rich ecosystems.
By preventing deforestation, the project not only helps curb greenhouse gas emissions but also protects essential habitats for wildlife. The Gran Chaco is home to more than 3,400 plant species, 500 bird species, and 150 mammal species. This makes the project’s work crucial for both climate stability and ecological resilience.
Community-Centered Conservation
The Corazón Verde del Chaco Project is also committed to improving local livelihoods. Through initiatives like Los Guardianes, the project employs forest guards, including a female wildlife biologist, contributing to job creation, skill development, and gender inclusion. These efforts ensure that the benefits of conservation extend to local communities, creating a sustainable balance between environmental protection and social-economic progress.
Expanding Impact and Preserving the Chaco
By protecting forests that store vast amounts of carbon and support a diverse range of species, the Corazón Verde del Chaco Project is making a meaningful contribution to global climate goals. It is a proven, credible model that demonstrates how focused action in one region can generate lasting benefits for the environment.
As the project continues to expand, it will play an increasingly vital role in preserving Paraguay’s forests—not only as crucial carbon sinks but as thriving ecosystems that sustain both people and wildlife.
Our climate action impact
In partnership with Ecologi, we’ve been supporting reforestation and carbon reduction projects around the world. So far, we’ve planted 25,752 trees, prevented 362.92 tonnes of CO2e from entering the atmosphere, and removed 27 tonnes of CO2e. We've also restored 44.44m² of habitat to help local biodiversity, all part of our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Source: Ecologi
