Sustainable land use management in the South American Gran Chaco

The Gran Chaco of South America is being rapidly altered and degraded by overgrazing, deforestation and wildlife exploitation associated with the expansion of campesino settlements. The Chaco represents the second largest biome in South America after the Amazon. The present trend of development threatens both its biodiversity and potential productivity. A promising management system has been shown to be capable of reversing the physical deterioration associated with present management methods. However, economic barriers associated with the campesinos' preferences for present versus future consumption as well as the length of their life expectancy bias the private decision process in favor of the present system. Outside assistance is likely necessary, but is unlikely to come from the governments in the region. International donors may wish to consider support for implementing the management system.