Conclusion The Gran Chaco offers an unprecedented opportunity to create a global model for reconciling production and protection. The Gran Chaco is both a biodiversity hotspot and a vital provider of resources for local communities and national economies. Its rich ecosystems – forests, savannas, wetlands and grasslands – are home to over 3,400 plant species and numerous animal species, many of which are under threat from agricultural expansion, land conversion and wildfires. The region also holds immense cultural value, being home to diverse traditional peoples whose ways of life are deeply interconnected with the biome. However, the Gran Chaco is not a singular entity – it is a mosaic of interconnected subregions, each shaped by distinct climates, landscapes and development pathways. While the Humid Chaco, with its wetlands and fertile floodplains, supports more intensive agriculture and cattle ranching, the Dry Chaco faces harsher environmental conditions, requiring tailored strategies for water management, infrastructure development and sustainable land use. Recognizing this plurality is essential to designing policies that respect local identities and realities, while fostering a coordinated, tri- national approach that balances conservation and economic growth. Amid rising global demand for food and commodities, the Gran Chaco presents an unprecedented opportunity to become a global model for reconciling production with environmental stewardship. Governments, businesses, NGOs and multilateral organizations have already taken steps to advance sustainable solutions in the region. Expanding and scaling-up these initiatives will be key to unlocking the full potential of the biome. By embracing this transition, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay can position the Gran Chaco as a leader in green economic development – one that integrates economic prosperity, ecological integrity and social inclusion. This white paper is a call to action – to strengthen regional cooperation, scale- up sustainable investments and ensure that the Gran Chaco thrives as a productive, resilient and biodiverse landscape for generations to come. The Gran Chaco: Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 49

The Gran Chaco Pathways Towards a Sustainable Future 2025