APPROACHING DEFORESTATION ECONOMIES IN PARAGUAY:
Research Sample for Earthsight

by Malcolm Wyer

NOTE TO EARTHSIGHT HIRING COMMITTEE:

Table of Contents

  1. Mapping of Logistical Systems & Ecological Systems

  2. Failure to Map Bureaucratic Systems

  3. Investigative Research

  4. Future Questions & Strategies

1. Mapping of Logistical Systems & Ecological Systems

Hidrovía Paraná-Paraguay (Paraná-Paraguay Waterway)

Figure 1. Paraguay’s eastern region, with higher rainfall, is dominated by soy cultivation and commercial tree plantations. In contrast, the drier western region, the Chaco, features a mosaic of remaining primary forest and extensive cattle pasture.

Land Use and Forest Cover in Paraguay

Figure 2. Paraguay’s eastern region, with higher rainfall, is dominated by soy cultivation and commercial tree plantations. In contrast, the drier western region, the Chaco, features a mosaic of remaining primary forest and extensive cattle pasture.

Shipping Ports and Protected Areas in Paraguay

Figure 3. Paraguay’s eastern region, with higher rainfall, is dominated by soy cultivation and commercial tree plantations. In contrast, the drier western region, the Chaco, features a mosaic of remaining primary forest and extensive cattle pasture.

2. Failure to Map Bureaucratic Systems

How to spot a charcoal kiln from satellite:

Figure 3. Paraguay’s eastern region, with higher rainfall, is dominated by soy cultivation and commercial tree plantations. In contrast, the drier western region, the Chaco, features a mosaic of remaining primary forest and extensive cattle pasture.

  1. Shape & size – circular/oval, ~3–10 m diameter

  2. Color/texture – dark center, lighter surrounding cleared soil

  3. Cleared patch – usually isolated in deforested area

  4. Access paths – small trails or dirt roads leading to it

  5. Clusters – sometimes multiple kilns in a row or group