The Pantanal

1590 CE - 2022 CE

The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland area. It stretches over portions ofBrazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, forming a lush and vibrant mosaic of biodiversity. Characterized by its seasonal flooding fed by tropical rains, this expansive region covers over 68,000 square kilometers, encompassing a rich tapestry of ecosystems that supports over 4,700 plant and animal species. During the wet season, the Pantanal transforms into a sprawling waterlogged haven, nurturing aquatic plants such as the giant water lily and the Victoria amazonica. Endangered species like the jaguar, the giant anteater, and the Hyacinth macaw find refuge in the Pantanal, which also serves as a crucial stopover for countless migratory birds. Threatening the delicate balance of the Pantanal, uncontrolled fires, deforestation, pollution, and the expansion of agriculture are critical concerns for the region, all contributing to a startling loss of 74% of the wetland’s surface water, considered the lifeblood of the Pantanal.

Most Pressing Issues

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.

How You Can Help

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.”

Sources:

“The Pantanal: Saving the world’s largest tropical wetland,” World Wildlife Fund.

“QUEM SOMOS,” Sos Pantanal.

“WWF in Brazil,” World Wildlife Fund.

“Conheça o trabalho do Instituto Homem Pantaneiro,” Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP).

“The Pantanal,” The Nature Conservancy.

Sharon Guynup, “Brazil’s Pantanal is at risk of collapse, scientists say,” Mongabay, December 20, 2022.

Catrin Einhorn, Maria Magdalena Arréllaga, Blacki Migliozzi and Scott Reinhard, “The World’s Largest Tropical Wetland Has Become an Inferno,” The New York Times, October 13, 2020.

Jill Langlois, “In Brazil, the World’s Largest Tropical Wetland Has Been Overwhelmed With Unprecedented Fires and Clouds of Propaganda,” Inside Climate News, September 30, 2022.

Jill Langlois, “Saving the Pantanal,” World Wildlife Fund Magazine, Spring 2020.

“A wetland under siege: Is the Pantanal a paradise lost?,” Environmental Justice Foundation, February 2, 2022.