Impacts of national governments on the forest cover loss in Paraguayan Chaco between 1999 and 2021

Abstract

Changes in land use can have profound impact on the Earth’s. Unsustainable land use, induced by urban sprawl, along with agricultural and environmental policies, not only significant impacts climate but also lead to deforestation and environmental degradation. A fundamental tool for tracking forest cover loss is spatial monitoring. Spatial data analysis serves as an instrument to generate public and land management policies, and also to combat illegalities in the forestry sector (e.g., illegal deforestation). The present study provides the first analysis of forest cover loss in the Paraguayan Chaco in relation to environmental and forestry legislation applied during each of the six periods of national government between the years 1999 and 2021. Using an annual database from 1999 to 2021, the changes from forest to non-forest cover in each government period were determined. The methodology used to determine the connection between forest cover losses in the Paraguayan Chaco and the environmental and forestry legislation applied during each government period consisted of a qualitative analysis of the regulations, an overview of the losses that occurred during each mandate and a comparison with annual trends of forest loss before and after each regulation came into effect. In total, 32.3% (5,748,169 ha) of the forest cover existing in 1999 had been lost by 2021. Forest loss was significantly higher (27.5%) during the government period (2008–2012). Meanwhile, the lowest rate (9.5%) was identified during the period (1999–2003). In evaluating environmental and forestry legislation for each of those periods, legal gaps that offered the possibility of multiple interpretations were found. Our results showed a relationship between poor compliance with the legislation and forest cover losses; emphasizing the need for further analysis of other variables that in turn influence the dynamics of forest loss, such as financial investments, forest fires, and leakage due to stricter environmental regulations in neighboring countries.