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Biodiversity in Paraguay: Subsistance farming in the shadow of soy plantations

August 24, 2015

Sustainable and in tune with nature: small-scale farmers in Paraguay are trying to uphold traditional lifestyles. A tough struggle because soya monocultures and deforestation are increasing in Paraguay.

https://p.dw.com/p/1GL97

It's a difficult battle, because in Paraguay soy plantations and deforestation are increasing. 3.5 million hectares of soy fields now stretch across the country. That has an impact on biodiversity, also puts a huge water resource under threat: the Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest natural subterranean water reservoir. The Global Forest Coalition, and international coalition of NGOs and indigenous communities, wants to help. It's supporting the farmers in their efforts to preserve and protect what remains of the natural environment.