The Jaguar Rivers Initiative unites four conservation organisations from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay to restore and protect ecosystems across the Paraná River Basin. By using rivers and riparian forests as wildlife corridors, the initiative aims to reconnect fragmented habitats and support threatened species such as jaguars, giant river otters, maned wolves, and macaws.
Inspired by the rediscovery of a giant river otter in Argentina after nearly 50 years, the initiative recognises that effective conservation requires cooperation across national borders. The partner organisations have already protected around 35,000 km² of land, reintroduced 13 native species, and supported local communities through nature-based economic activities.
Its strategy focuses on creating interconnected protected areas, buffer zones, and habitat stepping stones that allow wildlife to move freely across the region. By 2030, the initiative plans to protect at least 1,200 km² of additional land and prevent an estimated 34 million metric tons of carbon emissions from deforestation, wildfire, and land-use change.
The project represents a new regional conservation model, treating rivers not as borders but as vital ecological lifelines that connect people, wildlife, and ecosystems.
