Four approaches shaping the development of the Gran Chaco biome BOX 12 Production with minimal protection: This business-as- usual approach focuses on maximizing production with little regard for environmental externalities. Advocates, often foreign or urban-based investors and large-scale producers, focus on low-cost land acquisition while overlooking environmental impacts, including deforestation and ecosystem degradation, that ultimately threaten long- term productivity. Furthermore, this approach risks isolating local producers and companies from global markets as international regulations and sustainability demands increase. Sustainable development: This approach, supported by governments, international organizations (e.g. UN, World Bank), NGOs and parts of the private sector, promotes integrating sustainable practices into agriculture and livestock management. It emphasizes minimizing environmental impact while ensuring the responsible use of natural resources to meet current needs without compromising ecosystems’ long- term viability. Stakeholders advocate for holistic approaches that align economic activities with conservation, balancing productivity and environmental sustainability. Community management: This encompasses diverse groups, including Indigenous Peoples, Criollos and other traditional communities, engaging in varied strategies: –Voluntarily isolated communities preserving traditional ways of life by avoiding external economic systems. –Integrated communities participating in production due to necessity, sometimes engaging in harmful practices like logging. –Sustainable development communities focusing on socio-biodiversity value chains, producing non-timber forest products, honey and handicrafts with support from NGOs, governments and multilateral organizations. This approach fosters social inclusion and income generation, while balancing conservation and resource use. However, it faces challenges due to the historical marginalization of these communities and undervaluation of their economic and environmental contributions. Strict conservation: This prioritizes the protection of high-value ecological areas through rigorous conservation strategies to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, tensions arise as this approach restricts traditional practices and sustainable economic initiatives, posing challenges in balancing strict preservation with responsible resource use and local community needs. The future of the Gran Chaco depends on reconciling these diverse stakeholder visions and transitioning to an integrated development model that transcends jurisdictional boundaries. The primary opportunity lies in moving away from the business-as-usual approach towards one that combines the strengths of sustainable development, community management and strict conservation, creating a comprehensive framework for long-term resilience and growth.This chapter delves deeper into examples and opportunities to enhance this integrated strategy, emphasizing actionable and scalable solutions that balance economic, social and environmental priorities for the sustainable future of the Gran Chaco. 4.1 Policy-making pathways for a resilient Gran Chaco Addressing the environmental and social challenges of the Gran Chaco requires a coordinated and integrated approach that unites international, regional and local efforts to align the diverse interests and stakeholders present in the biome. The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)67 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the importance of such policies and initiatives at local, regional and global levels in key biomes like the Gran Chaco – one of the last remaining major forested areas in the world. These efforts must focus on improving land-use practices, which remain among the most cost-effective and impactful solutions for tackling environmental challenges, including climate change.National strategies aligned with global regulations can advance best practices at local level International agreements and regulations present valuable frameworks to orientate national strategies and promote the adoption of best practices towards sustainable development. Nevertheless, for these frameworks to be effective, their implementation must be aligned with local realities and developed in collaboration with national and subnational stakeholders. The Gran Chaco: Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 33

The Gran Chaco Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 2025