Salina im südlichen Pantanal

Pantanal on the brink of collapse

Peixes do Pantanal

Pollution from soy farms kills Pantanal fish

Operação Kuarup, Agosto-2016 (29400314571)

Pantanal experiences worst fires in 2 decades

Pantanal Birds

Wildlife of the Pantanal

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The natural beauty of the Pantanal

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Cattle ranchers pastures removes Pantanal animals

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UNESCO recognized Pantanal National Park as World Heritage Site

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Hidrovia plan forms with critique from environmentalists

Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Pantanal declared National Heritage by Brazilian Constitution

6528 Pantanal jaguars JF

Poachers in the Pantanal

Pantanal MS

Intergovernmental Committee on the Hidrovía (CIH) formed 

Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare) 2

Caiman populations decline with severe drought

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The immense pantanal

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Thousands of birds

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The Pantanal, "the greatest part of America"

Deforestation

The clearing of forests for agricultural expansion, cattle ranching, and infrastructure development results in the loss of crucial habitat for wildlife and contributes to soil degradation and water pollution, ultimately compromising the Pantanal's resilience to natural disturbances and climate change. As of 2022, 15% of the Pantanal had been cleared for cattle ranching.

Fires

The Pantanal is increasingly threatened by fires, fueled by unprecedented drought. These fires have wiped out significant portions of the region and devastated the wildlife. In 2020 alone, a quarter of the Pantanal burned in wildfires, killing 17 million vertebrates. 

Pollution

Pollution from agricultural runoff, mining activities, wastewater, and urban development, poses a serious threat to the Pantanal and its wildlife. Contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, and untreated sewage not only compromise water quality but also have detrimental effects on the health of the wetland species.

Development

Development in the region, including infrastructure projects, agricultural expansion, and hydroelectric dam construction, poses significant threats to the Pantanal, leading to habitat fragmentation, increased pollution, and water resource depletion. Specifically, development along the Pantanal’s tributaries, like the Paraguay River, causes ripple effects on the wetland ecosystem. 

Most Pressing Issues

Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) 

“Founded in 2002, the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) is a non-profit civil society organization that works to preserve the Pantanal biome and local culture. Among the activities carried out by IHP, the management of protected areas, the development of research and the promotion of dialogue between actors with an interest in the area stand out.”

SOS Pantanal 

“The SOS Pantanal Institute works to conserve the Pantanal, promoting the improvement of public policies, the dissemination of knowledge and the development of projects for the sustainable use of the biome. We encourage the necessary transformations through science and dialogue with the various sectors of civil society and public authorities.”

WWF Brazil 

“WWF has worked in Brazil since 1971, but officially opened its office there in 1996. WWF runs dozens of projects here in partnership with regional NGOs, universities and government agencies. It develops activities to support research, legislation, public policy, environmental education and communication. in particular, many conservation projects are aimed at stimulating sustainable economic alternatives that both involve and benefit local communities.”

How You Can Help

The Pantanal