30 Aug
2006 - Asuncion, Paraguay – Thanks to stringent
national legislation prohibiting the transformation
and conversion of forested areas in eastern Paraguay,
massive deforestation rates have been curbed.
Before Paraguay's Zero Deforestation
Law came into force in December 2004, the South
American nation had the second highest deforestation
rate in the world. But through satellite monitoring,
WWF has verified that deforestation in the Upper
Parana Atlantic Forest has decreased significantly
from between 88,000–170,000ha annually before
implementation of the law, to a current level
of approximately 16,700ha annually — a reduction
of more than 85 per cent.
"At a time when governments
are getting into the debate on the role of deforestation
in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change,
Paraguay is already setting an important precedent
in tackling the problem," said Leonardo Lacerda
of WWF's Global Forests Programme, while presenting
the Paraguayan government with a WWF Leaders For
A Living Planet Award for its environmental achievements.
The Upper Parana Atlantic Forest
is one of the world’s most ecologically important
regions, known for its rich biodiversity and high
level of species endemism — over 90 per cent of
all amphibians and 50 per cent of all plants here
are found nowhere else on Earth. But the Upper
Parana is also one of the world’s most endangered
tropical forests. In many areas over 95 per cent
of the natural forest has been lost as a result
of agriculture expansion, especially for soy production
and cattle ranching.
Not only did WWF favour the
passage of Paraguay's Zero Deforestation Law,
but worked with partners to implement a "social
pact" with agriculture producers in the Upper
Parana Atlantic Forest. The pact, which has been
signed by Paraguayan President Nicanor Duarte
Frutos, agricultural businesses and local governments,
is aimed at conserving and restoring the forest.
To achieve this, WWF is focusing its efforts on
the development of viable economic alternatives
for local communities, and working at the local
and national levels with decision-makers for the
sustainable use of natural resources.
"Paraguay provides an example
and an inspiration for those countries fighting
against deforestation all around the world, and
we hope that governments of neighbouring countries,
particularly Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, will
follow with similar steps to sharply reduce the
deforestation of valuable natural habitats and
the carbon emissions associated with them,"
added Lacerda.
"Paraguay is demonstrating
that expansion of agriculture and exports can
take place without necessarily encroaching on
valuable natural forests.”
Data from Oil World indicates
that the deforestation law has not affected soy
production in Paraguay, the world's fourth largest
soybean exporter. Production has actually increased
in spite of the law. In the 2004-05 season, production
was 3.9 million tons, up from 3.5 million tons
in the 2003-04 season. For the 2005-06 season,
production is likely to be 4.2 million tons.
WWF urges the Paraguayan government
to extend the law until such time as measures
for responsible soy cultivation and sustainable
forest management are developed together with
a commitment to restore priority forest areas.
WWF recognises the success of the Zero Deforestation
Law, and is concerned by mounting pressure from
the farming lobby and loggers to not extend the
law beyond its current December 2006 expiration
date.
“The deforestation law represents
a great beginning for the conservation of Paraguay’s
Atlantic Forest, but if it is not extended, all
of the conservation that has been accomplished
will be put at risk,” stressed Lacerda.
"An extension of this law
will help guarantee the development of long-term
sustainable agriculture, provide jobs and improve
the quality of life in rural communities while
at the same time protect Paraguay's unique biodiversity."
END NOTES:
• The Paraguayan deforestation law will be showcased
during the upcoming global conference of the Roundtable
on Responsible Soy, which will gather soy producers,
processors and traders in Asuncion, Paraguay,
from 31 August to 2 September 2006.
• The Roundtable on Responsible
Soy (RTRS) was initiated by WWF and other actors
as a forum for all stakeholders involved and affected
by soy cultivation to voice their concerns. It
provides stakeholders and interested parties —
environment and social NGOs, business and industry
— with the opportunity to jointly develop global
solutions leading to responsible soy production.
These include development of criteria for the
responsible production and sourcing of soy.
• The Zero Deforestation Law
(Law number 2524/4) was approved by the Paraguayan
National Congress on 4 November 2004. It is aimed
at assuring the conservation and recuperation
of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest. The law resulted
in a series of procedures and penalties for those
committing environmental crime by deforestation.
• WWF's Leaders For A Living
Planet Award gives recognition to institutions,
organizations and individuals for extraordinary
efforts in furthering nature conservation around
the world.
Lucy Aquino, Coordinator
Monica Echeverria, Communications Coordinator
Chng Soh Koon, Communications Manager
