
Paraguay River Corridor
Exploring Pathways to Freshwater Protection
In 2024, record low water levels exposed the fragility of the Paraguay River and the millions of lives that depend on it—a lifeline that connects South America’s two major wetlands, sustaining vibrant ecosystems and local communities. Scientists and conservation organizations now recognize more than ever the urgent need for landscape-scale conservation in the region; however, bridging the gap between awareness and action requires compelling communication. The Paraguay River Corridor project is a multimedia storytelling initiative designed to capture this pivotal moment and champion the revitalization of the river.
Mapping a New Corridor
To bring this vision to life, our team will explore four strategic sites along the river, capturing compelling photographs and short films that reveal the rich tapestry of life along its banks. At each location, we will document the remarkable biodiversity and the deep human connections to the river—stories that underscore how local communities rely on clean water for agriculture, cultural traditions, and daily survival. This vivid visual narrative will illustrate the pressing need for habitat restoration along the corridor.

The Paraguay River Corridor aims to connect the two largest wetlands in South America, the Pantanal and Iberá, enabling jaguars and other key species to traverse between these critical ecosystems, enhancing genetic diversity and strengthening overall population resilience.
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The Paraguay River serves as a critical ecological artery, linking South America’s two largest wetlands—the Pantanal and Iberá—and playing a vital role in maintaining regional biodiversity and water quality. Our project will leverage GIS mapping techniques to visualize specific locations found along the corridor, providing a deeper understanding of the landscape and shedding light on its conservation potential.
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The Paraguay River is at a tipping point. Historic low water levels have exposed the growing threats of environmental degradation and climate change, underscoring the urgent need for habitat restoration in the region. At the same time, successful initiatives like the revitalization of Iberá National Park prove that large-scale change is possible. By acting now, we can build on this momentum, extending conservation efforts across South America and creating a resilient, interconnected Ecological Network that benefits both nature and local communities.
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By reconnecting fragmented habitats along the Paraguay River, the corridor will allow wildlife to move freely between protected areas, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience. A healthier river system also guarantees reliable access to clean water—a cornerstone for agriculture, daily life, and cultural traditions. This rejuvenated riparian landscape will create sustainable economic opportunities through nature-based tourism and community-led conservation projects, generating jobs and supporting local livelihoods while preserving the river’s vital role in the region’s environmental and cultural heritage.
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The Ecological Network is a 20-year conservation strategy led by Rewilding Argentina and a network of local partners that aims to reconnect fragmented habitats across the La Plata basin by creating wildlife corridors along each of the region’s major rivers. The Paraguay River Corridor project supports this vision by shedding light on the conservation potential of the Paraguay River through engaging multimedia storytelling. By highlighting key wildlife hotspots and culturally significant areas along the river, we aim to engage stakeholders and raise public awareness, paving the way for a resilient, interconnected Ecological Network.
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Our impact strategy is designed to advocate for the corridor’s future implementation. The project will be disseminated through an interactive Story Map featuring striking visuals, short films, and animated geographic data, and will be showcased at the Paraguay Museum of Science (MUCI) on the Asunción waterfront. Coupled with robust social media outreach and partnerships with local conservation organizations, our strategy will ensure that our findings inspire local stakeholders and a global audience to support the corridor.
Our Team
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Henry Maillet
PROJECT LEADER
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Angeline Meeks
CARTOGRAPHER