Shifting agriculture has been identified as a major driver of this deforestation, contributing to a significant portion of the tree cover loss. Other contributing factors include forestry activities, urbanization, and wildfires, with the latter showing a worrying increase in frequency and impact.
The latest fire incident reported on July 24, 2024, in the Alto Paraguay Department, is a testament to the ongoing struggle against wildfires in the country. These incidents not only lead to immediate loss of tree cover but also contribute to long-term ecological damage and increased carbon emissions.
As Paraguay confronts these environmental challenges, the data underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate tree cover loss and prevent further ecological degradation.