The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the most biodiverse tropical forests on the planet (biodiversity hotspot), the second largest in South America and the first Important Bird Area (IBA) of Paraguay with high endemism of birds and endangered species. Currently the development of extensive agriculture and urbanization has reduced its original coverage to less than 7% of the area in Paraguay. San Rafael has been widely recognized as the main conservation priority of the Atlantic Forest in Paraguay. The solution for its long-term conservation and to avoid the loss of connectivity with other important areas of the Atlantic Forest, consists of an innovative production model based on the recovery of degraded areas of the Atlantic Forest in the area of influence of San Rafael with Ilex paraguariensis – yerba mate with other native species, promoting its natural and cultural conservation, as well as the economic viability of rural and indigenous communities.