What is going on here?
40 scientists have come together to protest against plans to develop the precious Pantanal wetlands. The Brazilian government wants to develop the area, destroying a region of incredible importance and biodiversity.
What does this mean?
Wetlands play a vital role in the global ecosystem but sadly around half of all our wetlands have already been destroyed. The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, spanning more than 42 million acres (that’s bigger than the whole of England!) across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
For decades, there have been proposals to develop the area. Initial plans were halted in 2000 due to environmental concerns, but now the Brazilian government wants to push forward with plans for the Hidrovia Paraguay-Paraná waterway. This project would develop the Paraguay river into a major shipping route, under the guise of reducing the costs of agricultural exports.
Why should we care?
Despite only covering 6% of the world’s surface, wetlands are home to 40% of all plant and wildlife species. They also act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, and provide natural flood defences. You can read more about “Wonderful wetlands and why their conservation is a priority” in our archives.
The Pantanal is considered to be the most untouched and well preserved wetland in the world but only 2% of it is actually legally protected. The Brazilian government is exploiting this fact, and has already issued licences for two port projects at Porto Esperança and Cáceres. Scientists say that damage caused by the construction of new ports and roads, as well as dredging the river, would be irreversible and catastrophic.
The project risks destroying the habitats of endangered species such as jaguars, giant river otters, and marsh deer, as well as countless plants and other organisms. Local communities who rely on the wetlands for small-scale fishing will also be affected. The impact of the project will reduce their food sources, pollute the soil and water, and eat into their livelihoods.
Be curious!
- Read more about the proposed waterway and the damage it will cause in these two articles from the Guardian:
- ‘Losing Noah’s Ark’: Brazil’s plan to turn the Pantanal into waterway threatens world’s biggest wetland.
- Pantanal waterway project would destroy a ‘paradise on Earth’, scientists warn.
- Check out World Wetlands Day which takes place every year on the 2nd of February.
- Support organisations like the Environmental Justice Foundation and World Wildlife Fund who are fighting to protect the Pantanal.
- Read about the grassroots work being done by Ecoa in the Baía Negra Preservation Area, where they have worked with local communities and stakeholders to support people’s livelihoods whilst protecting biodiversity.
Featured image by Jose Sabino from Pixabay.
