Marijuana crops compromise the integrity of the Mbaracayú Forest in Paraguay

The Natural reserve of the Forest Mbaracayú, an important biodiversity enclave in Paraguayis facing increasing pressures due to the expansion of illegal crops of dope. This forest, part of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest that also extends through Brazil and Argentinahas seen its ecological integrity compromised by the deforestation and the fires related to these unauthorized plantations.

The first marijuana plantation in the Mbaracayú Forest was discovered in 1997. Since then, activity has grown, reaching its peak in 2012 with approximately 1,600 hectares affected.

Currently, it is estimated that there are nearly 600 hectares actively cultivated with marijuana, which represents approximately 0.93% of the reserve’s surface area.

Deforestation and fires associated with these crops have impacted around 10% of the 64,405 hectares that comprise the reserve. Fires, in particular, often get out of control, affecting additional areas of the forest.

The executive director of the Moisés Bertoni Foundation, Yan Speranza, has pointed out that these factors represent a continuous threat to the reserve’s ecosystem.

Despite more than 50 complaints filed since 1997, the response from the government and security agencies has been limited. However, the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (Senad) has intensified its interventions in recent years, carrying out several operations in the reserve.

Between 2019 and 2023, Senad destroyed a total of 8,352.5 hectares of marijuana crops in the Eastern Region of Paraguay, with 281 of those plantations located in Mbaracayú.

In March of last year, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Virginijus Sinkevicius, presented the ‘Forest4Life Paraguay’ program in the Mbaracayú Forest. This program allocates 12 million euros to strengthen the protected areas system and support the

The expansion of marijuana crops not only affects Mbaracayú, but also other areas in the departments bordering Brazil, such as Amambay and Concepción.

These regions have seen an increase in the presence of organized crime, complicating efforts to eradicate illicit crops.

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