Rainforest Trust partner, Guyra Paraguay, reported shocking deforestation in areas of the Chaco that just recently had been lush with forest. The deforestation was viewed and photographed March 4, 2013, during a 5-hour flight in the Department of Boqueron to check on sites of deforestation. In December these areas were forest and by January had lost almost all tree cover.

Dr. Alberto Yanosky, CEO of Guyra Paraguay, said of the deforestation, it’s “really sad and shocking.”

Rainforest Trust aims to purchase and protect rainforest land outright so that deforestation is forever prevented. In 2012, Rainforest Trust partnered with Guyra Paraguay to expand the San Rafael Reserve by 677 acres. This parcel of land purchased comprised one of the last great stands of Atlantic Rainforest in Paraguay and is also home to the indigenous Mbyá People.

Read more about the San Rafael project.

Watch a video about the deforestation of Paraguay

Check out more photos on flickr