Paraguay Battles Deforestation: A Look at the Alarming Loss of Tree Cover

Paraguay Battles Deforestation: A Look at the Alarming Loss of Tree Cover

In Paraguay, a country with a land area of nearly 40 million hectares, the battle against deforestation has become increasingly critical. Over the past two decades, the nation has experienced a significant loss of tree cover, which has had profound implications for the environment and its biodiversity. The latest incident in the Canindeyú Department, where a fire alert was registered on September 30, 2024, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges.

Analysis of historical data reveals a troubling trend. Since 2001, Paraguay has seen a net loss of over 5.80 million hectares of tree cover, which constitutes a 24.70% decrease in its forested area. The primary drivers of this deforestation have been shifting agriculture, responsible for a substantial portion of tree cover loss, and forestry activities. Wildfires and urbanization have also contributed to the decline, though to a lesser extent.