The Gran Chaco Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 2025

Pathways to driving such governance improvement across the biome are explored further below. Foster local and private sector engagement Encouraging the creation of networks among private sector actors, such as companies, producers and local entrepreneurs, can facilitate the exchange of information, best practice and resources. These networks can drive shared sustainability initiatives, such as land restoration projects or forest management programmes, generating a positive impact on the conservation of the biome. According to a representative from a multilateral organization consulted for this report, the success of these networks hinges on effectively demonstrating viable and profitable sustainability models. When producers witness tangible economic benefits from such initiatives, alongside credible information and outreach efforts, they are more likely to adopt and replicate these practices, amplifying their impact across the biome. Efforts like some Mennonite experiences, VISEC or ICLF projects in Argentina provide interesting foundations to continue expanding these types of connections. Similarly, engaging local stakeholders – including communities, Indigenous groups and regional businesses – anchors sustainability at the grassroots level, ensuring resilience against political shifts. In this context, the Paraguayan Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (MPCS),102 part of the GRSB, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable practices within Paraguay’s beef industry. The MPCS has focused on training human resources at various levels and expanding its outreach to financial systems and production support networks, aiming to increase production efficiency while contributing to environmental and social balance in beef production. Additionally, the MPCS has developed a comprehensive action plan for sustainable Paraguayan livestock, looking to position the country as a reliable supplier of sustainable beef for global markets and facilitating access to specific market segments that demand such products.103 Similarly, the Bolivian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (MBCS), also part of the GRSB, has been actively working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the beef supply chain. The roundtable has initiated efforts to approve indicators and identify quantitative sustainability metrics across the beef supply chain to measure progress against their goal of a 30% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030.104Strengthen links between experts and producers and promote evidenced-based advocacy Establishing collaborations between the academic sector and local producers is crucial for developing research and practices that address specific challenges of the Gran Chaco. Academia can provide data and analyses that enable producers to adopt more sustainable practices, while producers can offer practical, localized insights that enhance research relevance. Additionally, connecting with expert knowledge can deepen insights into the potential impacts of climate change on development, highlighting the risks posed by continuing unsustainable practices in the biome. An example of this is the ICLF pilot projects in Argentina.105 Furthermore, research and data demonstrating the economic, social and environmental benefits of sustainable practices, along with the potential economic losses of inaction, should be shared to build broader support, highlighting which policies are most effective in terms of economic incentives, strengthening local capacities and clear regulatory frameworks. Enhance partnerships between NGOs and private sector NGOs often have expertise in implementing conservation and sustainability projects. By joining forces with the private sector, including participating in national roundtables and platforms, they can develop programmes that not only benefit ecosystems but are also economically viable. This could include carbon offset projects, traceability systems or community development initiatives involving sustainable practices. Furthermore, NGO participation can lend greater credibility to decision-making by the private/ productive sector. VISEC in Argentina and the DCF Implementation Toolkit developed by WWF in Bolivia serve as useful bases to continue strengthening these networks. Incorporate jurisdictional approaches for sustainable development Jurisdictional approaches provide a strategic framework for establishing sustainable land use across entire regions, aligning economic activities with conservation goals. These initiatives often involve public-private partnerships that drive financing, public policies, technology and market initiatives to promote sustainability. One of their key aspects is fostering a multi-stakeholder governance structure that ensures all actors in the region (e.g. producers, companies, universities, NGOs, sectoral associations, financial institutions) participate in defining how the territory will be managed. The Paraguayan Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has developed a comprehensive action plan for sustainable livestock, looking to position the country as a reliable supplier of sustainable beef for global markets. The Gran Chaco: Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 44