Skip to main content

On 10 January 2025, Paraguay declared a 60-day national emergency as rampant forest fires swept across the nation, severely impacting protected areas, biodiversity, and local communities. To date, approximately 15,000 hectares have been affected, predominantly in the eastern regions.

Authorities have recorded over 2,200 heat sources and 218 active fires, surpassing the historical averages of the past seven years.

Among the affected areas is Ypoá National Park, a vital ecological zone spanning 100,000 hectares across the Paraguarí, Ñeembucú, and Central departments. Established in 1992, the park is renowned for its extensive shallow lakes, floating vegetation mats, forested islands, savannahs, and streams. This diverse habitat supports numerous threatened species and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds.

Satellite image: Wildfires ravage Ypoá National Park, Paraguay
Paraguay. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

The accompanying Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image, acquired on 12 January 2025, starkly illustrates the extent of the wildfires within Ypoá National Park.

Open-access data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites are indispensable for monitoring global wildfires, enabling authorities and conservationists to assess the damage and coordinate responses to safeguard affected ecosystems and communities.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Millions of years for plants to recover from global warming
Millions of years for plants to recover from global warmingClimate

Millions of years for plants to recover from global warming

Catastrophic volcanic eruptions that warmed the planet millions of years ago shed new light on how plants evolve and regulate climate. Researchers reveal the long-term…
SourceSourceAugust 9, 2024 Full article
Whaling in Japan: key things to know
Whaling in Japan: key things to knowNews

Whaling in Japan: key things to know

Tokyo, Japan (AFP) - Japan launched on Tuesday a new "mothership" for its whaling fleet, aiming to hunt around 200 of the marine mammals this…
SourceSourceMay 21, 2024 Full article
Greenland rejects Trump pledge to make the island American
Image: Town of Aasiaat (Greenland) during winter season
Greenland rejects Trump pledge to make the island AmericanNews

Greenland rejects Trump pledge to make the island American

Nuuk, Denmark | AFP Greenland's prime minister on Wednesday hit back at President Donald Trump's pledge to take the Arctic territory "one way or the…
SourceSourceMarch 6, 2025 Full article