Revalorization of Natural Resources in Rural Paraguay

Leli González separating the raw yerba mate leaves from their stems to begin making yerba mate - Alto Parana, Paraguay - Photo by Olivia Suárez

When widespread deforestation and the encroachment of large-scale agriculture threatened the livelihoods of small landholders in eastern Paraguay, Leli González envisioned a different future. She was able to inspire over 200 landowners, majority female, to come together to change their fate and protect their landscape.

Leli González looking over the trees in the tree nursery that will distributed to other community members - Tavapy 2, Alto Parana, Paraguay - Photo by WWF Paraguay

These landowners formed an association of committees and were able to capture the attention of the World Wildlife Fund Paraguay as well as of their local government. From there the project grew; with their hard work, dedication, and vision 300 landowners have been able to plant over 90,000 native trees, helping revitalize the landscape, combat deforestation, and alleviate poverty.