Purchasing forest Mbyá

Forest is essential for the Mbyà-Guaraní to lead an independent life and to be able to survive in the medium term. The forest is a part of the Mbyà, and the Mbyà are a part of the forest. Without their own land, they are always at risk of being driven away. According to their world view, this would mean them not fulfilling their purpose as part of the large community of all organisms of the Atlantic forest, which they treat as equals and with a great deal of respect.

For 20 years now, Argentina has been offering communities of indigenous people the opportunity to create self-governing legal entities. Such communities can purchase and possess forests/land under the following conditions:
- The land must not be re-sold.
- The forest and its products may only be used for the communities’ own purposes.
Thus, the forest being in the hands of the Mbyá would mean that it is protected both by law and by the Mbyá’s entire culture! This will also make it possible to preserve the last forests for the highly endangered jaguar.

The preservation and regeneration of the Atlantic forest will not only benefit the indigenous population, but is also of crucial importance to the region’s biodiversity and climate, ultimately also playing the role of the entire planet’s “CO2 drain”. The Guaraní communities will make sure that no deforestation takes place, as it is their home. The protection and promotion of diversity in nature and culture go hand in hand in this project.

“I completely support this excellent project, which will help protect the biodiversity and the climate and ensure that many people can live their life with dignity.”