Ayoreo people report illegal palo santo logging in Chaco

Indigenous Ayoreo organizations in Paraguay have reported illegal logging of palo santo trees within the Médanos del Chaco National Park. The Union of Ayoreo Natives of Paraguay (UNAP), along with the Asociación Garaigosode del Pueblo Ayoreo (AGPA) and the Asociación Guidaigosode y Ducodegosode Ayoreo del Paraguay (Agdap), filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mades).

The organizations requested urgent inspections and precautionary measures to protect the territory. They noted that the institutional response was delayed by six months and expressed concern that the subsequent inspection was conducted without the presence of indigenous representatives, despite prior agreements for joint intervention.

Palo santo (Plectrocarpa sarmientoi) is a protected species listed on the IUCN Red List as threatened and is included in CITES Appendix II. The wood is highly valued for its aroma and durability, used in essential oils and fine woodworking. Indigenous leaders warn that illegal extraction in this conservation core threatens Chaco biodiversity and may facilitate the entry of illicit timber.