The Pantanal, the largest freshwater wetland in the world, stretches across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, forming one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
Located in the upper Paraguay River basin, it floods annually, regulating the climate and supporting wildlife and local communities.
The importance of conserving the Pantanal
The Brazilian Pantanal, located between Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, is home to essential riparian forests for ecological stability. These areas:
- Protect riverbanks and combat erosion.
- Regulate water quality and harbor endemic species.
- Provide refuge during floods and supply food in drought periods.
Inhabitants of Serra do Amolar emphasize the importance of these forests, stating that trees prevent river sedimentation, preserving the lives of fish and water-dependent animals.
A unique ecosystem in the world
The Pantanal is a convergence of three major ecosystems: Cerrado, Chiquitano dry forest, and Chaco, contributing to a very high concentration of wildlife. Its territory is divided into eleven subregions, where:
- 33.3% of the area is covered by highland forests.
- 42% corresponds to savannas.
- 58% has taller trees.
The Pantanal hosts one of the most diverse faunas on the planet:
- 264 fish species.
- 652 bird species.
- 102 mammals.
- 177 reptiles.
- 40 amphibians.
This ecosystem is influenced by The Cerrado and the Amazon, generating an extraordinary density of large vertebrates.
Challenges: climate change and human activities
The Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) actively works on Pantanal conservation, facing extreme droughts, forest fires, and water contamination.
The reduction in water has impacted the lives of riverside communities, affecting fishing and subsistence agriculture. The relationship with The Cerrado, considered the “water tank” of the Pantanal, is key to ensuring water flow.
Conservation Strategies
To restore flora and mitigate environmental damage, the IHP:
- Distributes fruit seedlings to communities affected by fires and droughts.
- Promotes the care of springs in collaboration with rural landowners.
- Implements the Cabeceiras do Pantanal Program, ensuring the protection of Permanent Protection Areas (APP).
A future at risk
The prolonged drought since 2019 has reduced the wetlands, increasing the dry surface in the Pantanal. Riverside inhabitants must travel further to fish, affecting their quality of life.
Conserving the Pantanal and The Cerrado is crucial to ensure clean water, biodiversity, and climate stability, protecting an essential ecosystem for Latin America.
