Illegal palo santo logging in Paraguayan Chaco

Indigenous Ayoreo organizations in Paraguay, including the Unión de Nativos Ayoreos del Paraguay (UNAP), have reported the illegal logging and theft of palo santo wood within the Médanos del Chaco National Park and the Punie Pipeogai property.

Initial reports indicated that formal complaints were filed with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (Mades) following a six-month delay in institutional response. Indigenous leaders expressed concern that inspections were conducted without their presence, contrary to prior agreements.

The palo santo tree (Plectrocarpa sarmientoi) is a threatened species on the IUCN Red List and is protected under CITES Appendix II. Ayoreo representatives stated that intruders are looting tons of timber, likely for sale to third parties. These environmental violations are occurring amid legislative debates regarding potential law modifications that could permit hydrocarbon and mining projects within the protected area. The unauthorized presence of individuals in these territories is cited as a threat to Chaco biodiversity and the survival of Ayoreo groups living in isolation.