Our Principles for Forest Acquisition
Sagittaria is actively engaged in projects that preserve and protect the Atlantic Rainforest and Indigenous communities in the province of Misiones, Argentina. In concrete terms, we purchase and conserve endangered forest areas to safeguard biodiversity and restore natural habitats. We work closely with Indigenous communities to uphold their interests and involve them in rainforest conservation. In doing so, they regain a secure homeland. As a small organization, we must set priorities in our activities—but our decisions are always guided by these core values.
San Vicente – A Model of Our Commitment
San Vicente stands as a prime example of Sagittaria’s mission in action. By acquiring and returning threatened, ecologically valuable forest land, we establish long-term protection and enable the restoration of a unique and biodiverse natural environment.
The 71-hectare property lies in the heart of the Atlantic Rainforest and is rich in valuable hardwoods sought after on the international market. The high price of timber posed a serious threat of deforestation—but thanks to generous donations, we were able to purchase the land for CHF 180,000 and protect it from logging. Argentine forestry engineer Guillermo Küppers confirmed the forest is in excellent condition, home to a wide range of endangered plant species and resilient, healthy ecosystems.
The legal return of the land to the Mbya Guaraní community Yvy Pora, who live on-site, not only secured biodiversity but also protected the home of approximately six families—around 25 people. This Indigenous community lives in harmony with nature and will ensure that the land remains in the right hands for generations to come.
This is How We Protect the Rainforest – Step by Step
1) Identification of Threatened Forest Areas
We assess the condition and urgency of certain rainforest areas, documenting the biodiversity, geographical features and other critical aspects on-site.
2) Consultation with the Mbya
We engage and consult with the Mbya community assemblies and families to understand their needs and priorities.
3) Land Purchase through Donations
With the support of donations, we strategically acquire threatened forest areas.
4) Legal Protection
The land is legally transferred to the Mbya communities and remains protected long-term under the Argentine Constitution, agreements and through the creation of legal entities.
5) Official Registration
We assist with the legal registration of the Mbya communities in the land registry.
6) Ongoing Long-term Support
Sagittaria maintains regular active contact with the communities and their leaders and assists their efforts on-site. Completed projects are also visited at least once a year.
Projects already realized by Sagittaria
50 Hectares for Project Timbo in Cerro Corá
At a price of CHF 90,000
Contract signed in 2025
The Cerro Corá project enables a previously landless community to settle in an area with natural water sources. The forest, which has largely remained untouched by deforestation and ecological intervention, is home to a variety of plant species that contribute to a stable and resilient ecosystem. The protection of this area will enable the long-term sustainable use of natural resources, benefiting the community.
53 Hectares for Project Mártires Miri
At a price of CHF 130,000
Contract signed in 2025
The project secured homes for 10 families. The Miri community, newly settled, faced the looming threat of displacement. However, through the land purchase, they were saved from the financial hardship of the seller. The intact biodiversity is preserved through the responsibility of the Mbya community and their clear agreement to protect the forest, while water and electricity are also made available for their homes.
71 Hectares for the Ivy Porà Community
At a price of CHF 180,000
Contract signed in 2024
The 71-hectare property in San Vicente was acquired by Sagittaria to preserve the high biodiversity of the rainforest. Forestry engineer Guillermo Küppers confirmed the excellent biological condition of the forest, which is home to endangered plant species such as orchids. The Mbya community Yvy Porà, living on the land, can continue to reside there.
313 hectares for the Tapé Mirí community
At a price of CHF 350,000
Contract signed in 2023
The Sagittaria association has successfully saved 313 hectares of Atlantic rainforest in the province of Misiones, Argentina, from deforestation. Thanks to the generous donations, the land was purchased for CHF 350,000 and handed over to the indigenous Mbyá community, which now maintains it sustainably. The rescued rainforest borders the Cuña Pirú Provincial Park and contributes to the expansion of the protected zone as part of a tri-national corridor. The project has been finalised and the home of the Mbyá community is now secure.
37 hectares for the Tacuaruzú community
For the price of CHF 43,500
Contract signed in 2022
The 37-hectare forest area in Ruiz de Montoya and the adjacent provincial park provides the Mbya community with an adequate number of wild fruit trees and wildlife. Additionally, there is a bilingual school nearby that offers the Indigenous community an appropriate education. The Tacuaruzú community, a group of forest-dwelling peoples, established a legal entity to receive the land transfer. Until then, the land had been under the care of the Argentine foundation Federico Wildermuth.
24 Hectares for the Tekoa Tuna’i Community
At a price of CHF 32,500
Contract signed in 2021
The Tekoa Tuna’i community received a significant inheritance from a family, which was transferred to Sagittaria for the protection of both the community and nature. The area is geographically connected to expansive water bodies, creating a harmonious interplay between land and water, providing ideal conditions for the preservation of a diverse ecosystem.
50 hectares for the Kaakupe Miri community
For the price of CHF 66,082
Contract signed in 2020
Together with the local Asociación Impulso Solidario (AIS), Sagittaria was able to acquire 50 hectares of subtropical rainforest. The two non-profit organizations transferred the ancient forest, including a water spring, to the Kaakupe Miri community in Santo Pipó, which has recently reunited.
20 hectares for the Amba’y Poty community
For the price of CHR 27’834
Conclusion of contract 2020
The Amba’y Poty community once lived in a privately owned part of the forest. The owner wanted to evict them. Instead, he was persuaded to cede the land at a favourable price. Today, the Mbyá community owns the 20-hectare piece of primeval forest.
56 hectares for the Tupamba’é community
For the price of CHF 104,000
Contract signed in 2012
Sagittaria acquired 56 hectares of Atlantic primeval forest for the young Tupamba’é community. A large part of this area had previously been used for the cultivation of tea and yerba mate as well as grazing land and tung forests. The Mbyá community of Tupamba’é took care of the regeneration of the rainforest. They planted and sowed medicinal and fruit trees under fast-growing light tree species. The property also borders two rivers where the forest was little affected.
121 Hectares for the Guavirami Community
At a price of CHF 180,000
Contract signed in 2010
In Garuhape, a section of rainforest was secured, providing the Guavirami community with a protected habitat. The high biodiversity of the area offers ideal conditions for sustainable use, ensuring the long-term preservation of both the natural and cultural heritage of the community.
6 hectares for the Takuapí community
For the price of CHF 7,000
Contract signed in 2009
The Takuapí community lives on a forested area that was given to the Mbyá by a religious Swiss organisation. The Indigenous people dismantled infrastructure that didn’t belong there and began rewilding the forest.Over time, the growing community also settled on six hectares of an adjacent privately owned land. The owner wanted to evict the Indigenous people and demolish their huts. Sagittaria was able to prevent this. The association purchased the forest area and handed it over to the Mbyá community.