How Paraguay cut its poverty rate from over 50 to 16 percent in two decades — 2026-05-07

## Short Segments 85 million acres of private land are now protected for conservation in the US and Australia, thanks to generous landowners. In Washington state, endangered butterflies are thriving in an unexpected place: a women's prison. And coming up, we'll explore how Paraguay slashed its poverty rate from over 50% to 16% in just two decades. Let's start with the conservation milestone. Australia and the US have set aside a combined 85 million acres of private land for conservation, with Australia contributing 24 million acres. This achievement is largely due to wealthy individuals leaving land for conservation in their wills. In Australia, organizations like Bush Heritage Australia manage millions of these acres, ensuring the protection of biodiversity. In the US, private landowners play a crucial role in conserving landscapes, supporting wildlife habitats, and maintaining rural economies. This large-scale conservation effort highlights the significant impact private landowners can have on environmental preservation. Endangered butterflies are thriving behind bars in Washington state. At the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women, inmates are participating in a unique conservation program to save the Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. This initiative, part of the Sustainability in Prisons Project, provides incarcerated individuals with a sense of purpose and education about endangered species. The program has been recognized for its success, with participants receiving awards from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This collaboration between biologists, inmates, and various agencies demonstrates how unconventional partnerships can lead to meaningful conservation outcomes. Young inventor Boyan Slat plans to stop 90% of floating sea plastic by 2040. His nonprofit, The Ocean Cleanup, is developing river-based technology to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the ocean. The project has already shown success in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, using a giant floating barrier to collect debris. With an ambitious goal to remove the majority of ocean plastic pollution within the next 15 years, Slat's initiative offers a promising solution to the global plastic crisis. This innovative approach could significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems. ## Feature Story Paraguay has achieved a remarkable reduction in poverty, cutting its rate from over 50% in 2005 to just 16% by 2025. This transformation was driven primarily by growth in labor income, particularly among the lowest earners. Unlike many countries where poverty reduction relies heavily on social programs, Paraguay's progress was fueled by stable employment opportunities. The country's access to cheap, clean hydroelectric power from the Itaipu and Yacyreta dams has been a key factor, attracting manufacturing investment and supporting green industries. Infrastructure improvements, including enhanced road networks, ports, and digital connectivity, have further bolstered economic growth by reducing the cost of moving goods and information. These developments have enabled businesses to connect more effectively with regional markets, amplifying the benefits of Paraguay's energy resources. However, the World Bank's recent analysis notes that the pace of poverty reduction has slowed, and challenges such as inequality and vulnerability to external shocks remain. Despite these challenges, Paraguay's progress over the past two decades serves as a significant case study in Latin America. The country's experience highlights the importance of inclusive economic growth and strategic infrastructure investments in reducing poverty. As Paraguay continues to address its remaining challenges, its journey offers valuable insights for other nations seeking to achieve similar outcomes. Observers will be watching how Paraguay navigates these issues and whether it can sustain its momentum in the coming years.