Fire ravages 90,000 hectares in Chovoreca and threatens the region's biodiversity.

The violent fire that has erupted near the Chovoreca forest reserve in Alto Paraguay has practically devastated 90,000 hectares of forests and grazing lands, putting the rich biodiversity of the area at serious risk. The current situation is alarming, and it has been declared that the fire is out of control. Despite the combined efforts of firefighters, military personnel, and ranch employees, the advance of the flames has intensified, driven by strong north winds. The origin of the fire appears to be linked to land-clearing practices on a ranch in the area known as Línea 28. The president of the National Forestry Institute (Infona), Cristina Goralewski, indicated that the fire spread rapidly from its point of origin, consuming everything in its path and threatening to engulf the entire Chovoreca hill reserve. This area of over 100,000 hectares is a refuge for a wide variety of fauna and flora, which are at risk of extinction if urgent action is not taken. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, no formal complaint has yet been filed against those responsible for the fire, which exacerbates the feeling of impunity among those who cause these environmental disasters. Yesterday, an Infona official filed a complaint related to a fire in Toro Pampa, but no action has yet been taken regarding the current disaster affecting the Chovoreca reserve. This lack of urgency in filing complaints is concerning and calls into question the government's commitment to addressing environmental crimes. The situation is further complicated by poor communication in the region, making it difficult to obtain updated reports on efforts to contain the fire. There are few large populations in the area, but numerous ranches, including a property belonging to the Ayoreo people, an indigenous group that relies on hunting and gathering in the region. The destruction of their natural habitat and the scarcity of basic resources threaten the survival of these indigenous communities. Yesterday, up to 84,000 hectares were reported affected, and the government announced the deployment of reinforcements to the area, including a contingent of 35 men from the Paraguayan Army's Environmental Directorate, experienced in forest fire control. However, the weather conditions are not favorable, as no rain is expected in the region until Wednesday, which could prolong the catastrophe. Air quality has drastically deteriorated in the affected areas, raising serious public health concerns. Specialists have compared exposure to polluted air to smoking hundreds of cigarettes. Health authorities have begun to see an increase in consultations related to respiratory issues, reflecting the negative impact that smoke is having on the population. Precautionary measures have been recommended, such as wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities. The phenomenon is not confined to the local area; the smoke has affected visibility in other regions of the country, such as Alto Paraná and Paraguarí, where health authorities have made clear recommendations: avoid exposure to outside air and take additional precautions. The situation has led to the suspension of in-person classes at educational institutions in the affected areas, which will continue virtually until air quality normalizes. The Ministry of Defense has emphasized its determination to be relentless against those responsible for these environmental crimes, and satellite images have been identified of the place where the fire started. However, time is of the essence, and as of the closing of this edition, no formal complaint had been filed, raising doubts about the effectiveness of government promises. The history of forest fires in the region is not new. In 2019, a similar disaster devastated more than 300,000 hectares, and authorities have reiterated that the recklessness of some individuals is at the root of the problem. Local wildlife is in a critical situation, with countless animals suffering the consequences of the fire and lack of food. Efforts to contain the fire must be urgent and coordinated, considering that the only definitive solution is the arrival of rain. Meanwhile, the commitment to protect the environment and biodiversity of the Chaco must be prioritized by all involved sectors. The community and authorities must work hand in hand to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future, ensuring the preservation of our natural heritage and the well-being of the communities that depend on it.