On Pantanal Day, Wetlands International and partners go to Brasília-DF to discuss effective biome protection measures
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Rivers and lakes
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Wetland agriculture and fisheries
On November 12, the Wetlands International and 29 other environmental institutions will meet in the Chamber of Deputies, in Brasília (DF), to discuss the need for more attention to the Pantanal. What should be a celebration day will actually be a time to warn of what’s happening in the biome. Public authorities and society need to be aware of the need to combat threats by developing more effective public protection policies.
During the event, a panel will be composed by representatives of the institutions to present the main actions of biome conservation initiatives and projects, as well as publications and exhibitions of documentary teasers. Among them, the document “Nova Hidrovia Paraguai-Paraná: uma análise abrangente”, a study presented by Wetlands International’s Corredor Azul Programme, which provides an analysis of the political, economic, social and environmental feasibility of the waterway. In addition to the presentation of the Wetlands International Open Letter, which calls for collective action to prevent and further prevent Pantanal fires. To complete the program, lectures are planned by representatives of organisations operating in the Pantanal.
Despite the high degree of conservation of the Pantanal, compared to other Brazilian biomes, it is far from being considered fully protected. It is increasingly common to see the Pantanal region being the target of destruction, which is largely due to the inconsequential acts of the people who exploit it. In recent months, forest fires have strongly impacted on fauna and flora, causing disruption in urban areas and causing economic loss in the lives of those who derive their livelihood from nature.
It is also observed the degradation of springs and siltation of rivers, due to deforestation. An environmental disaster that favours the emergence of huge flooded deserts, where previously had been spaces of productive pastures. Another major risk is the installation of numerous Small Hydroelectric on the plateau, which directly affect the plain.
In addition to the existing problems, on November 6, the federal government issued a decree repealing a ten-year ban on sugarcane expansion in three sensitive regions: the Amazon, the Pantanal and the Upper Paraguay Basin. With the end of the legislation, in theory, there are no more restrictions for planting the crop in the country. Zoning had been a guarantee of the sustainability of Brazilian ethanol biofuel production.
The Pantanal is under strong threat, so measures to protect it are urgent.
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The seminar will take place on November 12, at 4h pm (GMT-3) in the Chamber of Deputies – Brasília (DF). You can follow the live broadcast on the Chamber of Deputies website.
