[{"bbox": [120, 152, 1110, 389], "category": "Text", "text": "Agency of Paraguay (AEP) and research centres (University of Asunción) have their own isolated information systems for wildfire data collection and analysis, which is often inadequate for preventing and controlling these events. These agencies have historically work in isolation and only now are slowly starting to exchange information. There is an urgent need for a common early monitoring system that allows combining data from satellites with information on the ground. There is also a need to reach different audiences, ensure automation of data collection, and training for the use of this information. Early warning systems and readily available actionable geographic, climate and hydrographic information would help competent authorities and end users be prepared to address the threats and act accordingly, especially at the local level."}, {"bbox": [120, 403, 1110, 563], "category": "Text", "text": "Land ownership and land tenure is another challenge. Approximately 95% of the land is privately owned by individuals, corporations, and cooperatives. More than 70% of productive land is occupied by 1% of farms that resemble latifundia-style holdings, making Paraguay the country with the highest level of land inequality in the world. Most forestland, even forestland with a recognised conservation status, are held by private landowners. This puts much of the responsibility and burden of forest management on private actors, often large-scale and commercially oriented agricultural or livestock producers."}, {"bbox": [120, 575, 1110, 788], "category": "Text", "text": "The National System of Protected Areas (SINASIP) needs both, institutional strengthening and additional funding to ensure forest and environment conservation. The Forest Legal Reserve (FLR), Paraguay's environmental legal framework, enforces the protection of the native forest cover, demanding at least 25% of rural properties over 20 ha to conserve at least 25% of the natural forest area. However, enforcement is weak and the INFONA and MADES do not have the resources to effectively monitor the forest ecosystem. This limited capacity results in weak implementation of existing laws and a very low budget (0.06% of the national budget each), which in turn shows the need to ensure strengthened political support for fighting against deforestation and preservation of biodiversity."}, {"bbox": [120, 800, 726, 827], "category": "Text", "text": "Summing-up, the principal causes of biodiversity degradation are:"}, {"bbox": [159, 838, 1109, 893], "category": "List-item", "text": "1) The unsustainable utilisation of biological resources (forest and other key ecosystems) and the consequent decline in forest land, water availability and biodiversity."}, {"bbox": [159, 904, 1109, 984], "category": "List-item", "text": "2) The conversion, modification and fragmentation of natural forest and other key ecosystems to other land uses (agriculture, livestock, use for hydropower), which often undermine the provision of vital ecological functions."}, {"bbox": [159, 996, 1109, 1076], "category": "List-item", "text": "3) Climate change and the use of destructive agricultural production techniques, including inadequate land and resource uses such as destructive timber harvesting (coal for fuel) techniques and slash and burn agriculture, which can also cause wildfires."}, {"bbox": [159, 1088, 1109, 1192], "category": "List-item", "text": "4) Limited capacity and fragmentation of government institutions, and poor dialogue with businesses, civil society and local communities on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, forest carbon stock conservation, sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks."}, {"bbox": [159, 1207, 1109, 1261], "category": "List-item", "text": "5) Limited use of existing incentives from private sector to conserve forests and promote sustainable management practices."}, {"bbox": [159, 1273, 862, 1300], "category": "List-item", "text": "6) Poor preparedness, prevention and reaction capacities to face forest fires."}, {"bbox": [120, 1312, 1109, 1362], "category": "Section-header", "text": "**Main stakeholders and corresponding institutional and/or organisational issues to be covered by the action:**"}, {"bbox": [120, 1377, 1110, 1589], "category": "Text", "text": "The main government institutions with a direct responsibility on forest management and conservation are the Minstry of Environment (MADES), the National Forest Institute (INFONA), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the Public Ministry (with the Fiscalia General del Ambiente). INFONA and MADES are developing various innovative initiatives to reduce pressure on native forests and give a boost to the local economy. For example, INFONA supports the local brick and clay production industry, engaging small landholders in plantation and reforestation, and the creation of a forest nursery to resource the forest wood energy needs of artisanal producers and the restoration of waterways and biological corridors. INFONA also collaborates with cooperatives to streamline sustainable forest management into livestock production by"}, {"bbox": [1013, 1680, 1121, 1705], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 9 of 27"}]