How Mongabay’s journalism shaped policy on deforestation in Suriname and Paraguay

Mongabay’s investigative journalism continues to shine a light on critical environmental issues across Latin America, sparking policy discussions and driving tangible actions. This case study focuses on Mongabay’s coverage of deforestation risks in Suriname and Paraguay, revealing how independent reporting can influence decision-making, empower Indigenous communities, and hold governments accountable.

Suriname’s rainforest at risk

In December 2023, Mongabay published an in-depth report revealing that the government of Suriname was weighing a series of land deals that would allow the Ministry of Agriculture and a group of private entities to develop agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture activities on hundreds of thousands of hectares of land, most of it Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon covers 93% of Suriname’s total land area, making agricultural expansion an especially sensitive issue. In addition, five private entities were involved in the deals, with an interest in commodities like soy and cashews.

By March 2024, Mongabay followed up with a pivotal update: Suriname President Chan Santokhi confirmed to local media that he cancelled a pilot program setting aside 30,000 hectares (74,131 acres) for 50 Mennonite families, easing some fears that the country was on the verge of destroying large parts of the Amazon Rainforest. Mennonite colonies have a history of contributing to widespread deforestation in other parts of Latin America, including Belize, Mexico, and Bolivia, as our team documented in this powerful video report.

Deforestation alerts on Indigenous land in Paraguay

Between January and October 2022, Mongabay Latam reported that Global Forest Watch identified 684 deforestation alerts in the Pindo’i Indigenous reserve in Paraguay via satellite, despite laws prohibiting deforestation in these territories. Mennonite colonies established in Paraguay between the 1920s and 1950s have long been associated with deforestation in Indigenous territories, as they expand agricultural activities, including the farming of soy, maize, and wheat. Indigenous communities there face threats to their livelihoods due to such deforestation, plus contamination of their air and water from chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and the limited economic alternatives often force them to work for Mennonite plantations.

Mennonites consult a map during a recent trip to Suriname. Photo courtesy of Adrián Barbero.

Impact

Mongabay’s consistent coverage on Mennonite colonies and their history of contributing to widespread deforestation throughout Latin America has driven both awareness and policy responses, demonstrating the power of independent journalism in fostering environmental accountability.

Mongabay’s articles sparked parliamentary discussions In Suriname, where politicians referenced a Mongabay-produced map that accompanied the coverage. The cancellation of the pilot Mennonite land program underscored the direct influence of this coverage in shaping policy.

In Paraguay, Liduvina Vera, general director of the National Commission for the Defense of Natural Resources (CONADERNA) of the Paraguayan National Congress, confirmed in a letter to reporter Aldo Benítez that Mongabay Latam’s report on deforestation in Indigenous territories prompted CONADERNA to request data from three state agencies to address deforestation in the Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná. Vera also said that Mongabay’s article would be used as evidence in the argumentation of a legislative proposal that seeks to address the problem of deforestation in the Atlantic Forest of Alto Paraná.

Mongabay’s investigative journalism not only informs but catalyzes action, as seen in the policy shifts in Suriname and Paraguay. Through detailed reporting and impactful follow-ups, Mongabay continues to empower decision-makers at all levels. This highlights the critical role of independent reporting in protecting the world’s most biodiverse regions.

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About Mongabay

Mongabay is a nonprofit environmental science and conservation news platform focused on providing cutting-edge independent journalism from nature’s frontline. We pride ourselves on producing reporting that has substantial and tangible impacts around the world.