Sustainable Growth in the Gran Chaco: A Path to Global Food Security

A new report by the World Economic Forum’s Tropical Forest Alliance highlights the Gran Chaco’s vital role in global food production while emphasizing the potential for sustainable agricultural expansion. As the second-largest forest in South America, spanning Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil, the region has seen rapid growth in soybean cultivation and livestock production.

With agricultural land increasing from 10 million to 21 million hectares since 2001, the Gran Chaco is a key supplier of soy, corn, and beef to markets in the European Union, China, and Southeast Asia. Paraguay, in particular, has expanded its soybean cultivation sixteenfold in the past decade, strengthening its position in global trade.

The report underscores the importance of balancing economic development with environmental conservation. By adopting regenerative agriculture, improving supply chain efficiency, and investing in infrastructure, the region can enhance productivity while preserving its rich biodiversity. With strategic planning and cross-border collaboration, the Gran Chaco is poised to become a global leader in sustainable food production. Source: ForbesPy