Afforestation and Reforestation in Paraguay
Transforming degraded cattle land into thriving, sustainable forests
Paraguay’s expansive grasslands, long utilised for cattle farming and the export of premium beef, have underpinned the nation’s economy for generations. However, this traditional land use has also led to deforestation and soil degradation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land management and reforestation.
Afforestation and reforestation combat climate change by planting trees on land without forests. These methods remove carbon, enhance biodiversity, reduce erosion, improve groundwater recharge and create habitats, helping restore ecosystems and build climate resilience.
This large-scale afforestation and reforestation initiative in eastern Paraguay seeks to reverse these impacts by restoring ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and supporting resilient community development.
Location: Cazaapá, Maciel, Doctor Moisés Bertoni, and Ñumi, Paraguay
Project type: Afforestation and Reforestation
Project impacts
Climate & environment
- Sequestering an estimated 27,718,692 tCO₂e over the crediting period (2016–2045) through the establishment of new forest cover.
- Enhancing local biodiversity and providing habitats for wildlife through the planting of native and mixed species including Pinus ellioti, Pinus taeda, Eucalyptus urograndis, and Eucalyptus urophila.
- Restoring soil health, reducing erosion, and improving groundwater recharge across previously degraded cattle-farming lands.
Social & economic
- Creating equitable and long-term employment opportunities, with a focus on empowering women in local communities.
- Stimulating socio-economic development through training, fair wages, and investment in local infrastructure such as road improvements and community facilities.
- Supporting sustainable livelihoods that align economic resilience with environmental stewardship.
This project contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering measurable environmental and social outcomes.
Project details
This reforestation programme covers over 2,716 hectares of previously degraded land, with plans to expand by an additional 1,112 hectares. The project replaces extensive cattle pasture with sustainable forestry, combining economic viability with environmental restoration. By fostering the growth of diverse tree species, it captures significant volumes of carbon, restores ecological balance, and contributes to Paraguay’s broader climate goals.
Collaborations
Anthesis partners with the project team to finance, support, and scale verified carbon reduction and community initiatives. The project is certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), ensuring robust measurement, monitoring, and verification of emission reductions. Social and environmental benefits are independently validated under the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standard (CCBS).
As a founding member of ICROA, Anthesis upholds best practice in carbon management and is subject to annual independent review, ensuring the highest standards of quality and credibility in climate compensation.
Quality criteria
All Anthesis-supported carbon removal projects undergo independent verification to confirm permanent carbon storage and measurable environmental benefits. Projects must demonstrate alignment with UN SDGs 12, 13, and 15, promote soil and ecosystem health, and deliver robust climate and nature outcomes.
- Verification: Certified under VCS and CCBS standards.
- Transparency: Regular third-party audits and monitoring to ensure measurable climate and community outcomes.
- Integrity: Alignment with ICROA Code of Best Practice for credible carbon management.
- Sustainability: Prioritises long-term ecosystem restoration, local empowerment, and biodiversity conservation.
Through rigorous auditing, monitoring, and adherence to international standards, Anthesis ensures all projects provide credible, lasting impact for both climate and local communities.
Project facts
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