Finally the time has come: After a very long break in GNF’s travels to Paraguay, I was able to make the long journey to our partner organization Fundación Moises Bertoni (FMB) to visit our current project in the Mbaracayú conservation area. I spend the first day with our partner organization FMB in their office in Asunción. There, I discuss important topics such as financial planning and project progress with the project team before heading to the project region the next day.
During the five-hour drive to the Mbaracayú conservation area, I immediately notice the hectares of fields where soy and maize are grown, as well as the enormous pastures where cattle graze. Paraguay is known for exporting soy and beef, which is why entire forest landscapes have been cut down in the past. The incorrect use of resources on farms is also a major problem. This is where we try to start with our project and promote a sustainable model of yerba mate production. Mate is an infusion drink made from the chopped and dried leaves of yerba mate bushes and is mainly found in Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay.
After arriving and enjoying a hearty lunch of local dishes, I head to the Mbaracayú Education Center. The students, young rural and indigenous women, show me a play with puppet characters on the topics of yerba mate, biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism, which they developed as part of the project and present in schools around the protected area to raise awareness of these issues. They confidently tell me how much fun they had with the implementation and teamwork, but also about the challenges that such a creative project entails.
Measures to monitor biodiversity in the protected area are also part of our project. I am proudly shown pictures of recently spotted jaguars on the game cameras – I am also thrilled by the images. In addition, many new butterfly and bird species were identified, which is a good sign of intact biodiversity.
The next day I visit two different yerba mate producers, where I can inspect both freshly planted yerba mate seedlings and older bushes. Our project has so far enabled 52 hectares to be reforested with yerba mate seedlings and the small farmers to be trained in sustainable production.
Finally, as the first official guest, I was able to inspect the tourist hiking trails that were completed shortly before my visit. There I get all the information I need, from the traditional cultivation of the yerba mate plants to processing and the finished product, and I get to try the traditional cold drink tereré and various delicacies made with mate. A thoroughly successful tourism concept that generates additional income for the producers and students and raises awareness of the yerba mate culture that is firmly anchored in Paraguay.
After an eventful and instructive week, I unfortunately have to leave Paraguay again, but I am delighted with the numerous measures that have been implemented. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, until then I can hopefully draw on my current experiences. We will continue our long-standing and trusting cooperation with the Fundación Moises Bertoni in the future.