Victor Pino

Uruguayan agronomist who developed sustainable farming techniques to combat desertification in the Gran Chaco region

Victor Pino (1928-2012) revolutionized agriculture in South America through his work in the Gran Chaco region. A self-taught agronomist, he pioneered agroforestry systems combining native tree species with crop cultivation, which restored degraded lands and increased productivity by 300%. His 1958 discovery of the 'Pino Method' involved planting drought-resistant Quebracho trees alongside crops, creating microclimates that retained soil moisture.

Despite limited resources, Pino established the first agroecology training center in Paraguay in 1965, training over 2,000 farmers from six countries. His land management practices became UNDP models for climate resilience. The 1972 documentary Desert to Green brought international acclaim, though Pino remained in the Chaco until his death. His legacy lives on through the Victor Pino Institute, which continues to combat desertification across Latin America.