The integrity of Pantanal started to be more intensively menaced thirty years ago, through the implementation of human activities at the Upper Paraguay River Basin. Large scale agriculture, deforestation, use of agrochemicals, opening of new areas for cattle ranching and industrial activities have affected the Pantanal lowlands, with increasing river siltation and water contamination.

In spite of that, Pantanal is still one of the world’s most pristine regions, with low population density and areas still on its original state.   

Sadly, in the last years, new threats follow the model of economic development proposed for the region. The natural landscape is loosing space to furnaces of steel companies, thermal power stations, and even with a gas-chemical complex. The expansion of agribusiness and sugar cane plants for biofuel production in the upper lands add a grim prospective to this scenario. Probably, the so-expected economic development will bring irreparable consequences for the ecosystems of the Pantanal.

Ecoa, in coordination with other organizations, struggles against Pantanal’s most serious threats, through campaigns, information disclosure, political connections and establishment of partnership.

LEARN ABOUT SOME OF THESE THREATS:

• Alcohol and sugar plants for biofuels

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• Dams in the Pantanal

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• Deforestation

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• Paraguay-Paraná Waterway

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• Steel companies and Mining Companies