{ Video } Deforestation is destroying Paraguay’s tribal communities
Film courtesy of Survival International
Deforestation in Paraguay is forcing the people of the Ayoreo tribe to leave land they have occupied for generations. Recent satellite imagery confirmed that about one million hectares, or nearly 10%, of the virgin, dry forest in northern Paraguay has been cleared in just four years by ranchers using fire, chains and bulldozers to open up land. By comparison, Brazil claims to have nearly halted its deforestation of the Amazon.
The cattle are mooo-ving in
The Chaco, which stretches over nearly 240,000 sq km, is similar topographically, and in places climatically, to the Australian outback. Covering parts of Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina, it is a mix of forest, palm woodland, shrubby steppe, and swamp. It is the second largest biome in South America after Amazonia.
Conservationist David Attenborough, said this is a growing ecological disaster with widespread erosion and desertification taking place in one of the world’s most fragile and diverse environments.
“This is one of the last great wilderness areas left in the world. It is vital that we save the incredible biodiversity of these habitats,”
- David Attenborough
Find out how you can help preserve the Chaco!
