Asuncion, Paraguay, March 2022

Right after completing my mission in Argentina, in March 2022, I took a flight from Buenos Aires to Asunción to begin another urgent assessment—this time, focusing on the impact of severe drought on communities in Paraguay Alto region.

Asunción – A City of Surprises

My visit began with meetings in Asunción, where I had the opportunity to engage with NGOs, UN agencies, and local authorities working on humanitarian response and disaster preparedness.

One of the biggest surprises was meeting Marta, an amazing Polish woman working at the EU Delegation. We quickly connected, and she soon became a wonderful friend, adding a personal highlight to this mission.

Another fascinating visit was to the local fire services, where I learned about their work in disaster response and preparedness. Given the frequency of wildfires and climate-related emergencies in Paraguay, their role is critical in protecting communities and natural ecosystems.

Despite the serious nature of my mission, I also took time to discover Asunción, especially its Old City, where colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and historical landmarks created a unique and lively atmosphere.

Heading to Paraguay Alto – A Harsh and Unforgiving Landscape

After completing my meetings in the capital, I set off on a long journey by car to Puerto Casado, passing through Rosa Mística and Com Indig el Estribo-20 de Enero.

The further I travelled, the drier and more extreme the conditions became. Paraguay Alto is already known for its harsh climate, but the prolonged drought had pushed communities to the edge of survival.

The Drought Crisis and the Struggles of Indigenous Communities

The indigenous communities in Paraguay Alto were facing not only extreme drought but also deep social and economic injustices:
• Water shortages – Many communities lacked access to clean water, forcing them to rely on contaminated sources or travel long distances to find what little was available.
• Loss of traditional livelihoods – The drought made hunting, fishing, and small-scale farming nearly impossible, putting traditional ways of life at risk.
• Environmental degradation – Overfarming, deforestation, and irresponsible land use by large corporations had worsened the crisis, leaving indigenous groups with fewer resources to survive.
• Neglect and bad governance – Many communities felt abandoned by the authorities, with little to no government support to help them adapt to the crisis.

The Role of NGOs and the UN in Supporting Communities

Despite these enormous challenges, humanitarian organisations were working hard to assist the affected communities. NGOs like COOPI and UN agencies were playing a critical role in disaster preparedness and emergency response.
• COOPI (Cooperazione Internazionale) was particularly impressive—their team was highly knowledgeable, dedicated, and deeply engaged with the local communities. They were:
• Helping develop water management solutions to cope with drought.
• Training communities on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.
• Advocating for stronger protections for indigenous rights.

Their work was outstanding, and I felt incredibly grateful for their hospitality and expertise throughout my mission.

Reflections on Paraguay Alto

This trip was eye-opening, reinforcing the urgent need for climate action, environmental justice, and stronger disaster preparedness.

The people of Paraguay Alto are incredibly resilient, but without proper support and sustainable policies, their struggles will only worsen. The work of COOPI, the UN, and other humanitarian organisations remains essential in ensuring these communities can adapt and survive in an increasingly difficult environment.

Leaving Paraguay, I carried with me a deep admiration for those fighting for change—and a renewed sense of urgency to continue supporting communities affected by climate disasters.

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Corrientes, Argentina, March 2022

In March 2022, I travelled once again to Argentina, this time to assess the impact of the devastating wildfires in the Gran Chaco region. After a transfer in Buenos Aires, I continued my journey to Resistencia, Corrientes, San Miguel (Corrientes), Posadas, Cerro Corá, and Departamento Candelaria, where I met with affected communities, local authorities, civil protection teams, and partner organisations.

The Fires in Argentina – A 2022 Environmental Catastrophe

The 2022 wildfires in Argentina were among the worst in recent history, primarily affecting the northern provinces. The fires were particularly severe in the Gran Chaco, a vast and ecologically rich region spanning Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil.

The main causes of the fires were:
• Extreme drought – The region had been suffering from prolonged dry conditions, making forests and grasslands highly flammable.
• Uncontrolled agricultural burns – Farmers often use fire to clear land, but in such dry conditions, the flames quickly spread beyond control.
• Climate change – Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns intensified the fire risk, leading to more frequent and severe wildfires.

The fires consumed hundreds of thousands of hectares, destroying:
• Forests and grasslands, crucial for biodiversity and local ecosystems.
• Homes and agricultural lands, displacing entire communities.
• Livelihoods of farmers and Indigenous groups, who rely on traditional farming and cattle ranching.

On the Ground – Visiting Affected Communities

During my field visit, I met with:
• Local authorities and civil protection teams, who were still struggling to contain residual fires and monitor hotspots.
• Partner organisations, working to provide relief to displaced families.
• Indigenous and rural communities, who faced severe losses of crops, livestock, and natural resources.

The destruction was staggering—entire areas reduced to ashes, people left without homes, and livestock lost in the flames. But beyond the damage, what struck me most was the resilience of the people, determined to rebuild despite the immense hardship.

Returning to Buenos Aires – Then Onward to Paraguay

After completing my assessment in the north of Argentina, I returned to Buenos Aires to catch my flight to Asunción, where I continued my mission.

A Disaster That Calls for Long-Term Action

The 2022 fires in Gran Chaco were a stark reminder of the growing threat of climate change and environmental mismanagement. The crisis did not end with the flames being extinguished—recovery, reforestation, and stronger disaster preparedness measures were essential to prevent future catastrophes.

Argentina, with its vast landscapes and rich ecosystems, faces serious environmental challenges, and this mission reinforced the urgency of supporting sustainable recovery efforts in the region.

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