Latin America

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Deforestation in the Pindo’i Indigenous Territory. Image by Mario Silvero.

Mongabay 24 March 2023

Mennonite colonies linked to deforestation of Indigenous territories and protected areas in Paraguay

by Aldo Benítez | Translated by Maria Angeles Salazar

Satellite data and imagery show the expansion of large agricultural fields whittling away at already-fragmented tracts of primary forest in eastern Paraguay’s Pindo’I Indigenous Territory over the past several years.

Deforestation in Indigenous territories is illegal in Paraguay.

Indigenous residents and advocates told Mongabay that the clearing is being done by one of the region’s Mennonite colonies; a representative from the colony refuted these claims.

Deforestation for large-scale agriculture is also expanding in western Paraguay, which sources attribute to other Mennonite colonies.


ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — In the middle of the Paraguayan portion of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest, a paved road leads to the Mbya Indigenous community of Pindo’i.

Roads in the area are usually unpaved and uneven, and in the rainy season it’s almost impossible to use them due to mud. But this road is different.

A sign posted over where the road begins reads “Sommerfeld Colony — Welcome — Private land and roads.” It’s a Mennonite colony whose families use the road to move cattle, soy, corn or wheat they grow in their cropland that surrounds the Indigenous community.

Satellite data and imagery from Global Forest Watch show clearing associated with large agricultural fields whittling away at already-fragmented tracts of primary forest in the Pindo’I Indigenous Territory over the past several years.

More:
https://www.farmlandgrab.org/post/31464-mennonite-colonies-linked-to-deforestation-of-indigenous-territories-and-protected-areas-in-paraguay