Sagittaria is the guardian of the Atlantic rainforest and the indigenous Mbyá people
Over 90 per cent of the subtropical rainforest has already disappeared. One of the oldest forests in the world and thus a great ecological wealth has been carelessly cut down for excessive agriculture. Huge monocultures now characterise the landscape, as does soil erosion.
Many rare plants and animals have disappeared along with the primeval forest. It is estimated that there are up to 450 different species of trees and bushes per hectare. Other species that live in symbiosis with them are also endangered. The indigenous Mbyá people are also suffering from the excessive deforestation. They are forcibly displaced, deported or their villages barbarically destroyed.
«Sagittaria is committed to stopping this brutal action!»
Our approach
Near the world-famous Iguazú waterfalls is one of the last remaining primeval Atlantic forests. It is one of the most species-rich and oldest forests in the world. To protect the rainforest and the Mbyá, Sagittaria uses donations to purchase rainforest areas in the province of Misiones – in the north-eastern tip of Argentina – to prevent them from being cut down. Sagittaria then returns the valuable subtropical rainforest to the former forest nomads Mbyá. The people, who are thousands of years old, see themselves as a connected part of nature and live carefully in harmony with it: ‘We are part of the forest and the forest is part of us.’ In this way, the indigenous people not only regain their livelihood, but also live in harmony with the primeval forest and protect the area from deforestation and its unique biodiversity.
With the restitution of the Atlantic rainforest areas to the Mbyá, the subtropical rainforest will be protected for a long time to come. This is because indigenous groups that own land as legal entities in Argentina and are registered in the land registry are not allowed to sell the land and may only use it for their traditional way of life. This is stipulated in the Argentinian constitution.
«Land is available, it’s just a question of funding!»
Johannes Jenny, Project Leader at Sagittaria
Only 160,000 francs are still required to fund the current project!
Sagittaria has the opportunity to acquire 71 hectares of rainforest – help us to protect the unique flora and fauna from deforestation and support the indigenous Yvy Pora community.
160,000 Swiss francs are still needed!
Based on our experience and commitment, we are convinced that with your donation we can also protect this piece of primeval forest.
Projects already realised by the Sagittaria Association
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.
36 hectares for the Ñamandú community
For the price of CHF 43,500
Contract signed in 2022
The 36-hectare forest area in the Cuña Pirú valley and the neighbouring provincial park offer sufficient wild fruit trees and wildlife for the indigenous Mbyá people. There is also a bilingual school nearby, which provides the local people with an adequate education.
The Ñamandú community is currently in the process of founding a legal entity. As soon as this step has been completed, the land will be transferred to the forest nomads. Until then, the land is under the protection of the Argentinian Federico Wildermuth Foundation
50 hectares for the Santo Pipó community
For the price of CHF 66,082
Contract signed in 2020
Sagittaria was able to acquire 50 hectares of subtropical rainforest together with the local Asociación Impulso Solidario (AIS). The two non-profit organisations handed over the ancient forest and spring to the Santo Pipó community. The community came together again.
The Santo Pipó community is in the process of founding a legal entity in order to become the owner of the forest. Until then, the head of the community is holding the forest in commission for the community.
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.
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.