The Land Recognition and Transformation of San Óscar Romero
In the heart of the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest, the community of San Óscar Romero—formerly known as Marina Kue—is writing a new chapter in its history. After years marked by uncertainty and struggle, the families achieved legal recognition of their land, a deeply significant milestone that restores dignity, security, and a bright future.
December 2, 2025
October 24, 2025, became a historic date. The Paraguayan president personally delivered the first 80 property titles. The audience included multiple state institutions and civil society organisations. For the community, this day was much more than the property titles. It was a moment of restitution, a gesture that honoured their resilience and transformed pain into hope.
Today, with their lands finally recognised, San Óscar Romero takes its first step toward sustainable development, guided by long-postponed dreams: access to electricity, accessible roads, safe drinking water, a health centre, a school, and the support necessary to build a solid, sustainable local economy. Dreams that, for years, seemed distant are beginning to take shape and feel truly possible.
With the support of WWF, agroecological pilots are being implemented to strengthen the families’ food sovereignty. Projects include community gardens, small and large livestock production, compost, and restoration of the Atlantic Forest based on sustainable models such as yerba mate production. Ongoing field activities, continuous training, and close technical assistance support this work.
Institutions such as the BNF(National Development Bank), SNPP (National Services of Professional Promotion), INDERT (National Institute of Rural Development and Land), and other public actors join this effort, working alongside the community and civil society organisations to support this transformative process.
The example of San Óscar Romero demonstrates how cooperation between communities, public institutions and civil society organisations can transform a territory: from the struggle for land access to the construction of a sustainable community.
