Pantanal Conservation Area
Country
Brazil
Inscribed in
2000
Criteria
(vii)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The Pantanal Conservation Area consists of a cluster of four protected areas with a total area of 187,818 ha. Located in western central Brazil at the south-west corner of the State of Mato Grosso, the site represents 1.3% of Brazil's Pantanal region, one of the world's largest freshwater wetland ecosystems. The headwaters of the region's two major river systems, the Cuiabá and the Paraguay rivers, are located here, and the abundance and diversity of its vegetation and animal life are spectacular.
© UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 أكتوبر 2025
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Outstanding landscape beauty
Criterion
(vii)
The Pantanal Conservation Area stands out as a visually spectacular representation of a globally important wetland covering a range of diverse landscape features of the Pantanal ecoregion, including some that are restricted to the World Heritage site. The spectacular landscape of the wetlands of the property bordered by the Amolar mountainous chain originates in the combination of steep cliffs with annual hydrological extremes. During the rainy season, between October to April, the rivers overspill and flood vast regions, leaving only small areas inundated. At the end of this period, the waters slowly descend leaving numerous small temporary lakes. This outstanding landscape gives the Pantanal an unique aestheticism, enriched by the abundance and diversity of the wild flora and fauna. For example, it is remarkable to see a group of giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica), impressive aquatic plants, growing near to immense cactus from semi-arid regions (World Heritage Committee, 2015; IUCN, 2000).
Ongoing ecological processes
Criterion
(ix)
This World Heritage Site (covering 187,818ha) is a microcosm of the Pantanal as a whole, exhibiting nearly the full range of habitats and ecological processes found throughout the broader region. Considered a phytogeographic region, the Pantanal is strongly influenced by neighbouring ecosystems (mainly those of Cerrado and Amazonia, but also those of Chaquenha and the Atlantic forest) (World Heritage Committee, 2015). The unique ecological gradient in the region contributes to the maintenance of biological processes. The World Heritage site is recognized for an important role in the dispersion of nutrients to the entire basin and is an important reserve for maintaining fish stocks in the Pantanal (World Heritage Committee, 2015). In the beginning of the rainy season, the waters of the Pantanal experience a period of reduced dissolved oxygen. Fish migrate upstream at this time of year, coinciding with reproduction outside of the region. This is a rare natural phenomenon for the entire Pantanal that can be easily seen in the World Heritage site (IUCN, 2000). The property is also noteworthy for an extensive area that remains partially flooded during the dry season, thereby triggering migrations and serving as a refuge for many wildlife species (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). During the peak of the dry season, the Pantanal’s lower areas are often the only areas with standing water, making it a critical region for the animals and plants that would otherwise not be able to survive the xeric conditions.
High biodiversity and large wildlife aggregations
Criterion
(x)
The Pantanal is an ecological meeting point bringing together elements of vegetation and species of the Amazon, Cerrado, Chaco and even the Atlantic Forest. The World Heritage site is a particularly rich, well-protected and intact sample of many of the diverse and seasonally dynamic habitats of the Pantanal, ranging from aquatic to extremely dry systems and several semi-deciduous forest types. The highly diverse assemblage of neotropical plants includes an exceptionally high number of aquatic species. The IUCN evaluation (IUCN, 2000) suggests 80 mammal species, 50 reptiles and more that 300 freshwater fish species while acknowledging the high probability of further records. The Ramsar information sheet for the Parque Nacional del Pantanal Matogrosense, which overlaps with the World Heritage site, notes 90 mammal species, 700 birds, 160 reptiles, 260 fish and 45 amphibian species (Ramsar Sites Information Service, 2020). The Site is important for globally vulnerable species such as the marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), as well as the endangered giant otter (Pteronura brasilensis). The most conspicuous mammals include several felids, such as jaguar (Panthera onca, NT), puma (Puma concolor, LC), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi, LC) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis, LC). Large concentrations of Yacaré (Caiman yacare, LC) and Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, LC) are a common sight in the property.
Ongoing hydrological processes
Criterion
(ix)
The main source of water for the Pantanal is the Cuiabá River, which is the principal tributary of the Paraguay River; these two rivers are functionally among the most important waterways in the Pantanal. The World Heritage site also demonstrates a broad range of the hydrological processes of the Pantanal (Padovani, 2010) despite its modest size in comparison to the entire wetland. Despite covering only between 1 and 2 percent of the Pantanal, the World Heritage site epitomizes major ongoing biological and hydrological processes. The most striking process is the constantly changing hydrology according to a seasonal cycle of torrential rainfall in the Pantanal and surrounding uplands followed by slowly receding waters in the dry season. The association of lowland areas permanently flooded with the seasonally dry Amolar Mountains provides a unique contrast of ecosystems.
Assessment information
While the World Heritage site itself is not subject to major direct modifications within its boundaries, and its state of conservation seems to still be relatively good, there are important concerns about a multitude of individual and cumulative threats impacting the entire wetland system. The major threats stem from land use change resulting in loss and degradation of native forests and grasslands in favour of industrial export-oriented agriculture and intensive cattle ranching; various forms of extensive alterations of flow regimes and the hydro-ecology of the wetland; water contamination from multiple sources, soil erosion and sedimentation; invasive alien species and poorly controlled and managed natural resources. Most of these threats come from areas that are not part of the Conservation Complex, but are intricately linked to it ecologically and hydrologically, thus putting the site's values at risk. As of 2024, the Pantanal Conservation Area faces a combination of persistent and emerging threats, primarily driven by climate change, human activities, and inadequate environmental policies. While the decision to prohibit dam construction on the Cuiabá River represents significant progress in safeguarding hydrological integrity, water pollution remains a concern, exacerbated by the fires of 2020, which contaminated rivers with charcoal and ashes, potentially leading to harmful bacterial growth and fish mortality. Illegal fishing within protected areas, highlights the need for stronger enforcement to protect aquatic ecosystems. Wildfires have intensified in both frequency and scale due to a combination of extreme drought conditions, inadequate prevention measures, and human-induced ignitions from agricultural and ranching activities. These fires are closely linked to prolonged droughts, which have worsened over the past decades due to rising temperatures, declining humidity, and reduced flood duration. Overall, climate change is exacerbating these threats, leading to more unpredictable and extreme weather conditions that further endanger the region's ecological balance.
Dams & Water Management/Use
(Dam construction in the headwaters of important tributaries of the Paraguay River)
Outside site
The delicate balance of the periodic and episodic flooding of large areas of the Pantanal is threatened by an increasing number of proposed dams in the headwaters of tributaries of the Paraguay River. Calheiros, Castrilon and Bampi (2018) identified 165 hydroelectric plant enterprises in the plateau surrounding the Pantanal plain (45 of these in operation, others at various planning stages). Most of them are small hydroelectric plants, many in the same river. There is lack of consideration of the ecological and hydrological processes of the World Heritage site during the planning processes. The hydroelectric plants are planned for the rivers that have their headwaters on the surrounding of the Complex. These waterways are directly responsible for the annual floods of the Pantanal, which are critical for the overall ecosystem functioning of the property and the underlying basis of the World Heritage values. The dams will interrupt the transport of sediments and nutrients downstream, water quality as well as the upstream movement of migratory fishes (Schulz et al., 2019; Alho and Reis, 2017). For instance, Schulz et al. (2019) reported that discharge of the Cuiabá River, one of the two major northern affluent of the Pantanal, was reduced by 20% at the beginning of the wet season and increased by an additional 1 m during dry season, due to the construction of the large Manso Dam on one of the tributaries of the Cuiabá River, in the upper catchment area. Thanks to over 20 years of technical studies on the impacts of dam construction in the Upper Paraguay Basin and the mobilization of various national and local actors—including researchers, government agencies, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, and fisher associations—in August 2022, the deputies of the State of Mato Grosso decided that the Cuiabá River must remain free of dams. They achieved this by revoking the governor's veto of the bill that prohibits dam construction on this river (Faria and Aristides, 2022). This decision represents a milestone in the protection of the Pantanal biome, reducing the threat to the values of the Pantanal Conservation Area posed by dam construction.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive species)
Invasive/problematic species
Sus scrofa
Limnoperna fortunei
Cichla ocellaris
Colossoma macropomum
Other invasive species names
Urochloa decumbens, Urochloa humidicola
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Studies have recorded numerous terrestrial and aquatic alien species in the Pantanal region. They include plants, mollusks, fish, feral pigs, cats, dogs, cattle and others. The common pig (Sus scrofa), which becomes feral, locally called porco-monteiro, is commonly seen in large open areas. The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is an Asian mollusk that reached the Pantanal through the La Plata-Paraguay river system, and has spread to aquatic habitats. Another invader is the Amazonian tucunaré fish (Cichla cf. ocellaris), introduced in the Pantanal, and which is a voracious predator, feeding on prey of the local ecosystem. Another Amazonian fish that has been seen in fisheries in the Pantanal is the tambaqui Colossoma macropomum. Some of these species have been observed even in protected areas, which conflicts with the management plan (Alho et al., 2019). Exotic grasses such as Urochloa decumbens and Urochloa humidicola, currently cover areas where natural vegetation was predominant (Alho and Reis, 2017). The presence of artificial hybrids produced in fish farming plants and then released unintentionally into natural waterways is another important threat to the natural populations of fish in the Pantanal. Two of the most known examples are a hybrid called “ponto-e-vírgula” and another named “Tambacu”. These hybrids are nowadays interbreeding with the natural populations of the parental species, and represent a further threat to three very important native species, both ecologically and economically (Alho and Reis, 2017).
While there can be no doubt that the alien species change the communities and ecosystems, the impacts of most of these species on regional biodiversity are still largely unknown (Tomas et al., 2019). As of 2024, no new information about invasive species has been found, so the evaluation remains the same as in 2020.
While there can be no doubt that the alien species change the communities and ecosystems, the impacts of most of these species on regional biodiversity are still largely unknown (Tomas et al., 2019). As of 2024, no new information about invasive species has been found, so the evaluation remains the same as in 2020.
Water-borne & other effluent Pollution
(Water pollution from multiple sources)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
While the World Heritage site itself is not subject to direct pollution, water pollution from the growing urban centres, mining and agrochemicals have been increasing for decades (Sartini Dutra Pimenta et al., 2013; Bertassoni et al., 2012; Mittermeier et al. 2005; IBAMA, 2003; IUCN, 2000). Millions of gallons of untreated wastewater, sewage, organic wastes, agrochemicals, and storm run-off constantly enter the waterways and flooded areas (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Schulz et al. (2019) acknowledge that this threat mainly comes from intensive farming practices in the neighbouring uplands, probably more so than through farming inside the Pantanal. The Pantanal's natural environment has deteriorated with pesticides and toxic agricultural chemicals, including an increased fish mortality. Models predict the pesticide load to continue increasing in the Pantanal and the surrounding highlands region without significant changes in land uses (Roque et al. 2021).
In addition, most cities, villages, and touristic resorts in the region do not have sewage treatment plants, and most of the sewage is drained directly into rivers, polluting the water (Alho and Reis, 2017). Additionally, due to the fires from 2020, rivers became contaminated with charcoal and ashes, potentially leading to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, fish deaths, and water pollution (AIDA, Center for Biological Diversity and ECOA, 2022). Agrotoxins and fertilizers, city sewage, and other upstream waste can alter oxygen regimes in water, sediment load and thus significantly impact water chemistry important for aquatic life (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
In addition, most cities, villages, and touristic resorts in the region do not have sewage treatment plants, and most of the sewage is drained directly into rivers, polluting the water (Alho and Reis, 2017). Additionally, due to the fires from 2020, rivers became contaminated with charcoal and ashes, potentially leading to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, fish deaths, and water pollution (AIDA, Center for Biological Diversity and ECOA, 2022). Agrotoxins and fertilizers, city sewage, and other upstream waste can alter oxygen regimes in water, sediment load and thus significantly impact water chemistry important for aquatic life (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi, Fishing, Harvesting & Controlling Aquatic Species
(Natural resource use)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Hunting and harvesting have been a part of the Pantanal since the beginning of its human history. Subsistence hunting of game species and harvesting of a broad range of natural resources remains an integral part of local livelihoods. The protected areas and the natural resource laws offer substantial legal protection for the Pantanal as a natural region. However, on-the-ground circumstances can often render these legal protections more aspirational than effective (Shirley, 2018).
The primary protections of biodiversity in the Pantanal are harvest limits and land use limits. Logging is illegal without permit per the federal Forestry Code, which also sets a percentage (20 percent in the Pantanal) of private land aside in a “legal reserve,” on which there is a permanent negative easement against development and defines “areas of permanent preservation” along courses of water and on hills with grade. Hunting non-fish wildlife has been prohibited in full, save a select few invasive species, by the federal hunting code of 1967. Fishing is subject to regulation
primarily at the state level; each state promulgates a fisheries law with species-specific regulations supported by scientific research (Shirley, 2018). Five general types of fisheries rules exist, as established by different laws. A fishing committee (CEPESCA) composed of legislators, police, researchers, and stakeholders sets many of these rules. The local Secretary of the Environment (Secretaria do Meio Ambiente—SEMA) in each state is ultimately responsible for enforcement of the rules and the maintenance of the fishery. Rules include license limits, species size limits, method of catch limits, species limits,and season limits. These limits, which depend in part on scientific research and in part on political will, are frequently broken by fishermen in the region, many due to economic motivations (Shirley, 2018). According to the 2023 management effectiveness evaluation of Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, illegal fishing occurs within the protected area. As a result, the objective of "Protecting lacustrine ecosystems and other wetlands" requires a key management action to restore the desired conservation status such as strengthening surveillance (ICMBIO, 2023). Fishing is particularly complex, as there is a continuing conflict between local subsistence fishers and fishing tourists (Schulz et al., 2019; Alho and Reis, 2017). Overall, there is no indication that fishing is a key driver of fish decline in the region. The underlying causes are still poorly understood and impacts of fishing might be overstated (Schulz et al., 2019).
Although retaliation killings of large cats occur in response to conflicts with livestock and are difficult to control in remote areas, these do not seem to have a negative impact on the overall population sizes (Tortato et al. 2017; Brown, 2023).
Overall, there is no evidence that natural resource use by Indigenous people and local communities is causing population declines. Nevertheless, work is needed to assess populations and to join forces with Indigenous people and local communities to understand how populations of animals (and plants) are changing (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
The primary protections of biodiversity in the Pantanal are harvest limits and land use limits. Logging is illegal without permit per the federal Forestry Code, which also sets a percentage (20 percent in the Pantanal) of private land aside in a “legal reserve,” on which there is a permanent negative easement against development and defines “areas of permanent preservation” along courses of water and on hills with grade. Hunting non-fish wildlife has been prohibited in full, save a select few invasive species, by the federal hunting code of 1967. Fishing is subject to regulation
primarily at the state level; each state promulgates a fisheries law with species-specific regulations supported by scientific research (Shirley, 2018). Five general types of fisheries rules exist, as established by different laws. A fishing committee (CEPESCA) composed of legislators, police, researchers, and stakeholders sets many of these rules. The local Secretary of the Environment (Secretaria do Meio Ambiente—SEMA) in each state is ultimately responsible for enforcement of the rules and the maintenance of the fishery. Rules include license limits, species size limits, method of catch limits, species limits,and season limits. These limits, which depend in part on scientific research and in part on political will, are frequently broken by fishermen in the region, many due to economic motivations (Shirley, 2018). According to the 2023 management effectiveness evaluation of Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, illegal fishing occurs within the protected area. As a result, the objective of "Protecting lacustrine ecosystems and other wetlands" requires a key management action to restore the desired conservation status such as strengthening surveillance (ICMBIO, 2023). Fishing is particularly complex, as there is a continuing conflict between local subsistence fishers and fishing tourists (Schulz et al., 2019; Alho and Reis, 2017). Overall, there is no indication that fishing is a key driver of fish decline in the region. The underlying causes are still poorly understood and impacts of fishing might be overstated (Schulz et al., 2019).
Although retaliation killings of large cats occur in response to conflicts with livestock and are difficult to control in remote areas, these do not seem to have a negative impact on the overall population sizes (Tortato et al. 2017; Brown, 2023).
Overall, there is no evidence that natural resource use by Indigenous people and local communities is causing population declines. Nevertheless, work is needed to assess populations and to join forces with Indigenous people and local communities to understand how populations of animals (and plants) are changing (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Mining & Quarrying
(Water contaminations from gold mining)
Outside site
Even though there is no risk of mining in the World Heritage site itself, water abstraction and contamination are key threats associated with the activity. Upstream gold mining releases toxic mercury into the Pantanal confirmed in the past by high levels of mercury measured in kingfishers, raptors and fish (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Risks of contamination due to the use of the mercury from gold mining have been reported over two decades (Tomas et al., 2019). High levels of mercury detected in fish in the Pantanal have been found to accumulate in other animals of the food chain, such as jaguars and birds (Schulz et al., 2019). In the town of Poconé, unregulated gold mines have also contaminated the freshwater habitats with mercury. Studies have found high levels of mercury (higher than 0.5 μg/g) in about half of the Cuiabá River fishes, which is beyond the international standard for contamination (Alho and Reis, 2017). Nevertheless, enforcement of environmental laws on regional gold mining operations is increasing (Wenzel, 2025), and mercury is being phased out as an amalgamation agent (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Fire & Fire Management
(Increasing wildfires due to natural and anthropogenic causes)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
According to the Government of Brazil, since 2019 the Pantanal biome has been suffering from the most prolonged and severe drought in the last 60 years, and has recorded the lowest water level in 17 years in 2020. As a result, in that same year, forest fires were the largest and the most numerous ever recorded, affecting 32% of the wider Pantanal biome. According to the World Resources Institute, the Pantanal had the highest percent of tree cover loss of any biome in 2024, losing 1.6% of its tree cover (more than double the 0.83% rate for all of Brazil). The loss of 57% was due to fires (Goldman et al. 2025). Research shows that fires in the Pantanal are now 40% more intense than they would have been without climate change (Barnes et al. 2024).
A comparison of precipitation and temperature indices with the occurrence of fires in the Pantanal reveals a strong correlation, particularly during the peak drought months of July, August, and September. The number of fires is inversely proportional to the amount of rainfall and directly proportional to the temperature gradient (State Party of Brazil, 2022). However, besides the extreme drought, the intensity of wildfires has also been attributed to additional factors, such as the fire corridor's position within the Paraguay River floodplain, limitations faced by firefighters, inadequate wildfire prevention measures, and budget cuts in public environmental agencies (Silva et al., 2024). Furthermore, climate changes are compounded by decreases in water availability due to upstream damming of water sources. There are also anthropogenic causes of fire, including changes in cattle ranching activities, honey harvesting, and land clearing for household farming. Wildfires in protected areas frequently originate on neighboring ranching lands (State Party of Brazil, 2024; MMA, 2024).
There remains a lack of understanding of the long-term impacts of the fires on the ecosystem, however it is clear that fires are having a direct impact on key attributes associated with the World Heritage values of the property. In the Brazilian Pantanal, the 2020 fires reached 40,000 km2, with a recorded number of fire outbreaks 400% greater than the median between 1998–2019. The fires consumed considerable portions of forest cover and ecologically important areas that would otherwise provide shelter, food, and landscape connectivity to many species, directly killing about 17 million vertebrates (Tomas et al. 2021). Furthermore, the fires impacted biological communities in the Pantanal beyond the affected land extent. For example, the fires destroyed extensive swathes of private and public protected areas, forest patches at high elevation areas, riparian vegetation, and keystone tree species that provide fruits or nesting sites for birds (e.g., for Hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus). Plants with low resistance and resilience against fire and less agile vertebrates such as anteaters, armadillos, sloths, and reptiles were probably the most affected species (de Barros et al. 2022).
A comparison of precipitation and temperature indices with the occurrence of fires in the Pantanal reveals a strong correlation, particularly during the peak drought months of July, August, and September. The number of fires is inversely proportional to the amount of rainfall and directly proportional to the temperature gradient (State Party of Brazil, 2022). However, besides the extreme drought, the intensity of wildfires has also been attributed to additional factors, such as the fire corridor's position within the Paraguay River floodplain, limitations faced by firefighters, inadequate wildfire prevention measures, and budget cuts in public environmental agencies (Silva et al., 2024). Furthermore, climate changes are compounded by decreases in water availability due to upstream damming of water sources. There are also anthropogenic causes of fire, including changes in cattle ranching activities, honey harvesting, and land clearing for household farming. Wildfires in protected areas frequently originate on neighboring ranching lands (State Party of Brazil, 2024; MMA, 2024).
There remains a lack of understanding of the long-term impacts of the fires on the ecosystem, however it is clear that fires are having a direct impact on key attributes associated with the World Heritage values of the property. In the Brazilian Pantanal, the 2020 fires reached 40,000 km2, with a recorded number of fire outbreaks 400% greater than the median between 1998–2019. The fires consumed considerable portions of forest cover and ecologically important areas that would otherwise provide shelter, food, and landscape connectivity to many species, directly killing about 17 million vertebrates (Tomas et al. 2021). Furthermore, the fires impacted biological communities in the Pantanal beyond the affected land extent. For example, the fires destroyed extensive swathes of private and public protected areas, forest patches at high elevation areas, riparian vegetation, and keystone tree species that provide fruits or nesting sites for birds (e.g., for Hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus). Plants with low resistance and resilience against fire and less agile vertebrates such as anteaters, armadillos, sloths, and reptiles were probably the most affected species (de Barros et al. 2022).
Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Prolonged intense droughts)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Global climate change is having a profound effect on the Pantanal, disrupting hydrological patterns and increasing the frequency and unpredictability of extreme weather events. This is further exacerbated by upstream damming, water use changes and deforestation. The Pantanal Conservation Area is along the Paraguay River, which once remained flooded year-round or for most of the year but have more recently experienced prolonged droughts. Since 1980, average temperatures have risen by 2°C and humidity has fallen by 25%. Each year, flooding covers a smaller area and lasts for less time. In 2023, the flooded surface was 61% below the historical average, and in May 2024, the water level at the main gauge of the Paraguay River, in Ladário, reached its lowest point on record. Dramatically reduced humidity, higher temperatures and sustained winds have fueled wildfires in the Pantanal. Wildfires in the Pantanal are starting earlier, lasting longer, ravaging larger areas, and burning in places they didn’t reach before (State of Party of Brazil, 2024; Silva et al., 2024; WWF, 2020). Additionally, traditional fishermen report that they had never experienced a drought as severe as in 2020, resulting in the worst fishing season in 50 years (Arini, 2021).
Other than the effects of climate change as an overarching concern, the potential threats in essence boil down to the continuation and intensification of the existing threats, such as further dam construction and large-scale transportation infrastructure proposed. Major modification of the still natural course of the Paraguay River and construction of transoceanic roads in order to facilitate large-scale commercial transportation, could have devastating effects over this complex ecosystem. The prohibition of dam construction on the Cuiabá River marks a significant step in protecting the region’s hydrological integrity, but future proposals for dams on other tributaries of the Paraguay River could still pose a risk. Large-scale transportation infrastructure projects, although not formally underway as a comprehensive industrial waterway, continue to be a potential threat. Even though initiatives like the Amolar Experience Program are helping to promote structured, sustainable tourism that minimizes environmental harm, ongoing vigilance and proactive management are essential to ensuring that infrastructure development and tourism growth do not compromise the ecological and cultural integrity of the Pantanal Conservation Area.
Roads, Trails & Railroads, Shipping Lanes
(Large-scale transportation infrastructure proposed)
Outside site
A few large-scale transportation infrastructure projects are under discussion in the Pantanal region. One is the Hidrovia, which is the mega-infrastructure proposal also known as the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway, which would bring together Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay in an effort to allow passage of large vessels transporting minerals and agricultural crops to the Atlantic coast. This would require massive dredging, straightening, change of river course and removal of natural obstacles, which would massively change the still free-flowing Paraguay River (Mittermeier et al., 2005). Such major modifications of the main river have the potential to significantly alter the entire ecosystem. There are also other transoceanic roads and a railway projected. For instance, the southern portion of the Norte-Sul railroad, which runs from Chapada dos Parecis (MT) to Santos port in Sao Paulo state; the Transoceanic Highway, a transcontinental road planned to connect Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile; the paving of the existing highway that starts at Cáceres (MT, Brazil) to Santa Cruz de La Sierra (in Bolivia); and the railroad planned by Bolivian and Brazilian governments, all of them set to improve the transportation of commodities from Central Brazil to the Pacific Ocean by reaching the Peruvian and Chilean coasts (Tomas et al., 2019).
Although these projects seem to be competing with each other (Tomas et al., 2019), and probably not all will be developed, their effects on the complex Pantanal’s ecosystem could be devastating, including habitat fragmentation and further incentivise land use change towards intensive agriculture or cattle ranching, with its consequences for biodiversity and ongoing ecological and hydrological processes.
By December 2024, the government of Brazil, through the State Party State of Conservation Report of Pantanal Conservation Area, submitted in response to World Heritage Committee Decision 45 COM 7B.1, established that “it would not be accurate to state that a 'Paraguay River Industrial Waterway Project' is currently underway—at least not in the sense of a clearly defined, overarching initiative aimed at converting the river into an engineered freight route” (State of Party of Brazil, 2024). However, in January 2022, the State Environmental Council of Mato Grosso granted a preliminary license for the construction of the large Barranco Vermelho port on the Upper Paraguay River in the municipality of Cáceres. By June, a second port, Paratudal, had also been approved. Meanwhile, researchers found that between 2019 and 2021, low water levels rendered navigation impossible for extended periods, even in previously dredged sections of the Paraguay River between Corumbá and Asunción, Paraguay’s capital. They argue that this highlights the uncertainty of achieving genuine success in a navigation project, despite substantial financial and technical investments, while the potential environmental, cultural, and social consequences remain significant (Wantzen et al., 2023).
Although these projects seem to be competing with each other (Tomas et al., 2019), and probably not all will be developed, their effects on the complex Pantanal’s ecosystem could be devastating, including habitat fragmentation and further incentivise land use change towards intensive agriculture or cattle ranching, with its consequences for biodiversity and ongoing ecological and hydrological processes.
By December 2024, the government of Brazil, through the State Party State of Conservation Report of Pantanal Conservation Area, submitted in response to World Heritage Committee Decision 45 COM 7B.1, established that “it would not be accurate to state that a 'Paraguay River Industrial Waterway Project' is currently underway—at least not in the sense of a clearly defined, overarching initiative aimed at converting the river into an engineered freight route” (State of Party of Brazil, 2024). However, in January 2022, the State Environmental Council of Mato Grosso granted a preliminary license for the construction of the large Barranco Vermelho port on the Upper Paraguay River in the municipality of Cáceres. By June, a second port, Paratudal, had also been approved. Meanwhile, researchers found that between 2019 and 2021, low water levels rendered navigation impossible for extended periods, even in previously dredged sections of the Paraguay River between Corumbá and Asunción, Paraguay’s capital. They argue that this highlights the uncertainty of achieving genuine success in a navigation project, despite substantial financial and technical investments, while the potential environmental, cultural, and social consequences remain significant (Wantzen et al., 2023).
Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Unregulated tourism)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Tourism is an important economic activity in the Pantanal (Schulz et al., 2019; de Souza et al., 2018). The region is well known by the abundance of its wildlife, which is a result of the high primary productivity and conservation status of the ecosystems in the floodplain. The easy observation of rare, iconic, or endangered species, such as the hyacinth macaw, the giant otter, the jaguar, the marsh deer, the jabiru stork, among others, make the region attractive for tourists. The recreational fishing is a traditional activity due to the high productivity of the Pantanal Rivers. The landscape is just as attractive, composed by a mosaic of forests, savannas, grasslands, and several types of aquatic habitats (Tomas et al., 2019). Wildlife watching and ecotourism are based upon conservation and making positive sustainable contributions to the natural and cultural environments that benefit the host communities (de Souza et al., 2018).
However, there is a variety of environmental threats caused by the unregulated tourism itself that include resource consumption (e.g. overfishing), waste generation, infrastructure, and, by its very nature, increased people access to natural areas (Alho et al., 2019; Tomas et al., 2019; de Souza et al., 2018). Also, a lack of control in river vessel traffic has been identified, affecting the sites for nesting of birds on the sandy beaches during the drought, mainly due to the waves produced in the water. Finally, the practice of feeding wildlife to attract them close to the tourists, could potentially upset the balance of some populations (Alho et al., 2019).
Efforts to regulate tourism in the Pantanal Conservation Area focus on promoting structured, sustainable, and educational experiences that minimize environmental impact while enhancing public awareness. The management effectiveness evaluation of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense highlights the importance of offering guided public use opportunities, such as the tourist attractions in Baia do Burro, the trail on Morro do Caracará, and the archaeological site with cave paintings, to foster appreciation for conservation. These initiatives help visitors and local residents understand and respect the park’s protected status, reducing the risks associated with uncontrolled tourism (ICMBIO, 2023). Additionally, the Amolar Experience Program, led by the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP), ensures that tourism in the Serra do Amolar and its surroundings is managed responsibly. By restricting activities in protected areas to research, environmental education, and ecotourism, and by reinvesting tourism revenue into conservation efforts, the program prevents unregulated tourism from threatening biodiversity and cultural heritage. Furthermore, offering structured experiences in designated areas, including local communities such as Amolar and Barra do São Lourenço, helps distribute visitor impact while benefiting local stakeholders, reinforcing a sustainable tourism model that protects the Pantanal's ecological and cultural integrity (IHP, n.d.).
However, there is a variety of environmental threats caused by the unregulated tourism itself that include resource consumption (e.g. overfishing), waste generation, infrastructure, and, by its very nature, increased people access to natural areas (Alho et al., 2019; Tomas et al., 2019; de Souza et al., 2018). Also, a lack of control in river vessel traffic has been identified, affecting the sites for nesting of birds on the sandy beaches during the drought, mainly due to the waves produced in the water. Finally, the practice of feeding wildlife to attract them close to the tourists, could potentially upset the balance of some populations (Alho et al., 2019).
Efforts to regulate tourism in the Pantanal Conservation Area focus on promoting structured, sustainable, and educational experiences that minimize environmental impact while enhancing public awareness. The management effectiveness evaluation of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense highlights the importance of offering guided public use opportunities, such as the tourist attractions in Baia do Burro, the trail on Morro do Caracará, and the archaeological site with cave paintings, to foster appreciation for conservation. These initiatives help visitors and local residents understand and respect the park’s protected status, reducing the risks associated with uncontrolled tourism (ICMBIO, 2023). Additionally, the Amolar Experience Program, led by the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP), ensures that tourism in the Serra do Amolar and its surroundings is managed responsibly. By restricting activities in protected areas to research, environmental education, and ecotourism, and by reinvesting tourism revenue into conservation efforts, the program prevents unregulated tourism from threatening biodiversity and cultural heritage. Furthermore, offering structured experiences in designated areas, including local communities such as Amolar and Barra do São Lourenço, helps distribute visitor impact while benefiting local stakeholders, reinforcing a sustainable tourism model that protects the Pantanal's ecological and cultural integrity (IHP, n.d.).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
According to the Action Plan of the Pantanal Biosphere Reserve 2020-2023, to which the Pantanal Conservation Area belongs, the diversity of economic sectors, people, and traditional communities of the Pantanal is not sufficiently represented in the two state committees and the national council of the reserve. Although the two state committees (Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul) are operational and civil society representatives have been publicly designated, they face significant challenges related to limited human and financial resources to carry out actions and raise awareness, especially among ranchers, that the "Biosphere Reserve" designation does not entail additional environmental restrictions but rather opportunities for sustainable development (CERBPan-MT, CERBPan-MS and WWF, 2020). One of the management actions of the PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense for the process of participatory management and integration with the local and surrounding population is to "establish/modify the management council." However, as of 2023, this had not been accomplished, with low consolidation and low feasibility of implementation (ICMBIO, 2023).
The Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) engage relevant stakeholders through the Serra do Amolar Protection and Conservation Network (Red Amolar). This network fosters relationships with the community through dialogue, opportunities, and training, making it one of its priority actions (IHP, n.d.).
The Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs) engage relevant stakeholders through the Serra do Amolar Protection and Conservation Network (Red Amolar). This network fosters relationships with the community through dialogue, opportunities, and training, making it one of its priority actions (IHP, n.d.).
Legal framework
There is extensive legislation relevant to the biodiversity of the Pantanal. The Pantanal enjoys explicit protection as national heritage according Art. 225, § 4 of Brazil’s Constitution dated 1988, which stipulates its conservation and sustainable use. Pantanal Matogrossense National Park was established by Federal Decree in 1981, while the three contiguous private protected areas were formally recognized by IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) in 1997 as so-called Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPN), a category according to Brazil's protected area law SNUC. The National Park was declared a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) in 1993 and designated as one of multiple core zones of a biosphere reserve simultaneously with the World Heritage inscription in 2000, adding several layers of international recognition. However, in despite of Article 10 of the Brazilian Native Vegetation Protection Act, law number 12.651/2012, considering the Pantanal as a “restricted use” area, allowing “ecologically sustainable use”, the laws of the states in which the Pantanal Conservation Area is located are more flexible or contradictory in this sense, generating pressures in the change of land use (Tomas et al., 2019). Also, Schulz et al. (2017) suggest that environmental laws are often weakened in front of the influential agribusiness sector in the region.
In December 2023, the governor of Mato Grosso do Sul enacted the so-called Pantanal Law, aimed at promoting the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the biome in the state. This local law was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and establishes, among other provisions, regulations for agricultural cultivation, livestock production, and a fund for payment-for-environmental-services programs. The new law recognizes the state's wetlands as a priority for environmental and legal reserve compensation. The cultivation of exotic agricultural crops, such as soybeans and sugarcane, will be prohibited, except for subsistence and non-commercial purposes. Existing crops may not be expanded (Nascimento, 2023).
The so-called Pantanal Bill (PL 2334/2024) is currently under consideration in the National Congress, addressing the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the Pantanal biome. The proposed legislation was drafted in close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, IBAMA, ICMBio, and other relevant stakeholders. It imposes stricter regulations on development projects and potentially harmful activities, while promoting sustainable tourism, sustainable ranching, and the bioeconomy as drivers of economic growth aligned with conservation goals (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
In December 2023, the governor of Mato Grosso do Sul enacted the so-called Pantanal Law, aimed at promoting the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the biome in the state. This local law was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and establishes, among other provisions, regulations for agricultural cultivation, livestock production, and a fund for payment-for-environmental-services programs. The new law recognizes the state's wetlands as a priority for environmental and legal reserve compensation. The cultivation of exotic agricultural crops, such as soybeans and sugarcane, will be prohibited, except for subsistence and non-commercial purposes. Existing crops may not be expanded (Nascimento, 2023).
The so-called Pantanal Bill (PL 2334/2024) is currently under consideration in the National Congress, addressing the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the Pantanal biome. The proposed legislation was drafted in close collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, IBAMA, ICMBio, and other relevant stakeholders. It imposes stricter regulations on development projects and potentially harmful activities, while promoting sustainable tourism, sustainable ranching, and the bioeconomy as drivers of economic growth aligned with conservation goals (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Governance arrangements
The World Heritage site is owned and managed by federal and private conservation actors, and neither inhabited nor subject to land claims. There are no inhabitants within the National Park and only occasional incursions of cattle from neighbouring ranches occur. An Advisory Council brings together relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations and local community representatives to advise on management (World Heritage Commitee, 2015; Tazik et al., 2004).
Site management is shared between the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), an autonomous federal agency linked to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), the Brazilian conservation trust Ecotrópica Foundation, and the Homem Pantaneiro Institute (IHP), a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation programs in the Pantanal (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Site management is shared between the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), an autonomous federal agency linked to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), the Brazilian conservation trust Ecotrópica Foundation, and the Homem Pantaneiro Institute (IHP), a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation programs in the Pantanal (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
The National Park and Private Reserve of Natural Heritage are integrated into the National System of Nature Conservation Units (SNUC), allowing for integrated management in the three spheres of government (federal, state and municipal) (MMA, 2020). Given that the World Heritage site covers a small part only of a vast and extraordinarily complex wetland system extending over territories of three countries, the main factors determining its future are beyond the control of site management. Even so, there is an initiative looking to integrate part of the Complex into a broader regional system, it is the proposal for creation of a Mosaic of conservation units in the Northern Pantanal, involving expansion of some protected areas and creation of others. Even though it only includes the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (excluding the three private reserves), this strategy pursues to achieve a significant size of a 'single block of land' with great biodiversity and without anthropic intervention with the potential to safeguard an important fraction of the biodiversity of the Pantanal biome (Agrotools, 2018). The creation of the Wildlife Reserve and the Wildlife Refuge and the expansion of the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park and Taiamã Ecological Station would connect all the conservation units in the region, creating an important ecological corridor, and reinforcing this “hydrological hub” (Tortato, 2018). This proposal has been criticized by environmentalists, considering that it lacks good technical bases, is unaware of the identified conservation priorities, and political opportunities are wasted when creating less relevant areas (Padua, 2018). The proposal was also not well received by rural producers, who argue that the measure will negatively impact more than 100 of them in the region. Although two public consultations were held in July 2018 in the cities of Cáceres and Poconé (Wenzel, 2018), the process seems to be at a standstill. Additionally, the Amolar Mountains Protection and Conservation Network (AMPCN) arises from the partnership between organizations that own land destined to conservation and socio-educational actions along the axis of the Paraguay River, in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso. All the conservation units involved in the Pantanal Complex are part of this initiative (IHP, 2020b). Overall, there is still a need to better integrate different conservation initiatives in the region to enhance landscape connectivity.
The 2019 wildfires led to the creation of a working group dedicated to developing a regulatory framework for Integrated Fire Management (IFM). This initiative resulted in the issuance of Ordinance No. ,150/2022 in December 2022, outlining the principles, objectives, tools, and procedures for implementing IFM in Federal Protected Areas.
Likewise, the Action Plan for Deforestation and Fire Prevention and Control in the Pantanal was reinstated in 2023 and structured around four policy areas: sustainable production; environmental monitoring and control; land and territorial planning; and rules and economic instruments (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
The 2019 wildfires led to the creation of a working group dedicated to developing a regulatory framework for Integrated Fire Management (IFM). This initiative resulted in the issuance of Ordinance No. ,150/2022 in December 2022, outlining the principles, objectives, tools, and procedures for implementing IFM in Federal Protected Areas.
Likewise, the Action Plan for Deforestation and Fire Prevention and Control in the Pantanal was reinstated in 2023 and structured around four policy areas: sustainable production; environmental monitoring and control; land and territorial planning; and rules and economic instruments (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Boundaries
While it is clear that protected areas covering a humble surface of less than 2 percent of a major ecosystem inevitably come with shortcomings, the site selection and configuration represents a plausible and coherent conservation planning approach. The National Park's buffer zone determined 9 external strategic areas (ESA), dedicated to conservation and sustainable use, which are relevant for its interaction with the region, with specific rules, regulating the occupation and use of natural resources, aiming to protect the site values (IBAMA, 2003). In the 2023 management effectiveness assessment of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense, it was found that the "boundary demarcation" of the park is partially completed; however, "studies to change the boundaries" have not been conducted (ICMBIO, 2023).
Overlapping international designations
The Pantanal is one of UNESCO's Biosphere Reserves, encompassing the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul,and a small part of Goiás. The reserve has a 2020-2023 action plan, two state committees (Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul) and a national committee currently in operation (CERBPan-MT, CERBPan-MS, and WWF, 2020). This body is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Pantanal Biosphere Reserve (RBPan) in alignment with the guidelines of the National Council of the Pantanal Biosphere Reserve, the Brazilian Commission for the "Man and the Biosphere" Program (COMBRAMaB), and the Brazilian Network of Biosphere Reserves (SEMADESC, n.d.).
On the other hand, the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, a federal conservation unit, is one of the Ramsar sites of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (State Party of Brazil, 2022). The National Wetlands Committee (CNZU) is a collegiate body first established by Decree s/n, of October 23, 2003, with the role of participating in decision-making and defining guidelines for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Brazil. It was dissolved and subsequently reinstated in November 2019. One of its main responsibilities is to propose guidelines and implementation actions to the Ministry of the Environment related to the conservation, management, and sustainable use of environmental resources. This includes overseeing the management of areas listed as Wetlands of International Importance and other Brazilian wetlands, when applicable (MMA, 2021).
On the other hand, the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, a federal conservation unit, is one of the Ramsar sites of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (State Party of Brazil, 2022). The National Wetlands Committee (CNZU) is a collegiate body first established by Decree s/n, of October 23, 2003, with the role of participating in decision-making and defining guidelines for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Brazil. It was dissolved and subsequently reinstated in November 2019. One of its main responsibilities is to propose guidelines and implementation actions to the Ministry of the Environment related to the conservation, management, and sustainable use of environmental resources. This includes overseeing the management of areas listed as Wetlands of International Importance and other Brazilian wetlands, when applicable (MMA, 2021).
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Considering the significant wildfires that affected the property, the World Heritage Committee adopted the Decision 44 COM 7B.195, requesting “the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2022, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 45th session” (World Heritage Committee, 2021). In 2022, the State Party of Brazil presented the State of Conservation Report, which describes the measures implemented by ICMBIO to combat fires, as well as assessment and mitigation actions. These actions include firefighting, animal rescue, acquisition of equipment, materials, and infrastructure; cooperation agreements; participation in studies on the impacts of fires; and restoration projects. However, the report is not clear about the extent the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property has been impacted by the fires (World Heritage Committee, 2023).
Therefore, the World Heritage Committee in 2023 adopted the Decision 45 COM 7B.1, in which: i) Reiterates its request to the State Party to assess the impacts of the wildfires on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property and to submit this assessment to the World Heritage Centre, when available; ii) Encourages continued efforts to conserve and recover biodiversity in the Pantanal biome, and urges the State Party to facilitate the recovery of fire-impacted fauna and flora that constitute part of the OUV across the entire property; iii) encourages again the State Party to exchange knowledge and best practices of fire management strategies in natural World Heritage properties with other States Parties facing similar threats; and requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 47th session. (World Heritage Committee, 2023). In response to this Decision, the State Party of Brazil delivered a new State of Conservation Report which highlights significant progress regarding: i) capacity in fire management, ii) biodiversity conservation and post-fire recovery; and iii) international cooperation. Nonetheless, in 2023, budgetary constraints hindered a comprehensive assessment of fire impacts on the OUV of the property, while another severe fire season in 2024 has caused further delays (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Therefore, the World Heritage Committee in 2023 adopted the Decision 45 COM 7B.1, in which: i) Reiterates its request to the State Party to assess the impacts of the wildfires on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property and to submit this assessment to the World Heritage Centre, when available; ii) Encourages continued efforts to conserve and recover biodiversity in the Pantanal biome, and urges the State Party to facilitate the recovery of fire-impacted fauna and flora that constitute part of the OUV across the entire property; iii) encourages again the State Party to exchange knowledge and best practices of fire management strategies in natural World Heritage properties with other States Parties facing similar threats; and requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2024, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 47th session. (World Heritage Committee, 2023). In response to this Decision, the State Party of Brazil delivered a new State of Conservation Report which highlights significant progress regarding: i) capacity in fire management, ii) biodiversity conservation and post-fire recovery; and iii) international cooperation. Nonetheless, in 2023, budgetary constraints hindered a comprehensive assessment of fire impacts on the OUV of the property, while another severe fire season in 2024 has caused further delays (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Climate action
The Pantanal Law stipulates the creation of the Pantanal Climate Fund, for environmental services. Priority will be given to the protection and recovery of springs and the vegetation in degraded areas that are strategic for the formation of ecological corridors (Nascimento, 2023). For the World Heritage site, climate action is highly focused on wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response measures. While in 2024 the Pantanal experienced drought conditions even more severe than those of 2020, the property was significantly less affected by fire, evidencing that the measures implemented have been effective. These initiatives inspire optimism that the Pantanal biome, including its protected areas and World Heritage Site, will strengthen its resilience to address the challenges posed by global climate change (State Party of Brazil, 2024). Nonetheless, there is no evidence of a climate action plan specifically for the site or even for PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense, highlighting a gap in strategic planning for climate resilience and adaptation.
Management plan and overall management system
Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is managed by the Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), a semi-autonomous agency under the federal Ministry of the Environment (MMA). Management is guided by a management plan approved by IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) Ordinance 13 of March 3, 2004, with a specific modification approved by ICMBio Ordinance 633 of October 25, 2019, regarding prohibition of commercial and sport fishing in some locations of the Buffer Zone, as well as transit of certain kind of vessels (MMA/ICMBio, 2019). The Instituto Homem Pataneiro (IHP), a Brazilian non-profit NGO, manages the three Private Reserve of Natural Heritage (Acurizal, Penha and Dorochê) (IHP, 2020a). While these private reserves do not have management plans (ICMBio, 2020a), the management plan of the National Park comprises specific coordination activities with them (IBAMA, 2003); nonetheless, there is no evidence of an integrated management system for the Complex. Even though the management plan of the National Park is comprehensive concerning values, management objectives and threats, it is outdated and may need some adjustments regarding its strategies and actions relevant to the achievement of the conservation objectives. The 2019 management effectiveness evaluation of the National Park indicates that three actions were proposed related to the values of the World Heritage Site (form the managing council, guarantee infrastructure for the performance of activities and carry out limits signposting), however, none has been performed and the feasibility of doing so is moderate to low (ICMBio, 2020a).The Pantanal Biosphere Reserve Action Plan 2020 - 2023 was presented by the end of 2019 to members of the Mato Grosso State Biosphere Reserve Committee. The actions are focused on sustainable development, integration with public policies and programs, research development, financial sustainability, regional networks and inclusive themes. It includes more concrete actions to consolidate the biosphere reserve as a management area for conservation (Governo de Mato Grosso, 2019).
By 2024, there is no evidence of an updated Pantanal Biosphere Reserve Action Plan, nor for the National Park or the Private Reserves of Natural Heritage Acurizal, Penha, and Dorochê. Likewise, no integrated management system for the World Heritage Site was found.
By 2024, there is no evidence of an updated Pantanal Biosphere Reserve Action Plan, nor for the National Park or the Private Reserves of Natural Heritage Acurizal, Penha, and Dorochê. Likewise, no integrated management system for the World Heritage Site was found.
Law enforcement
Limited law enforcement in the wider Pantanal is of concern, for example in regards to compliance with environmental legislation, illegal fishing and deforestation. The presence of these threats is often associated with ineffective control and low level of implementation of existing legislation, due to inefficient institutional infrastructure (Alho et al., 2019). The Pantanal has only one inspector per 204 km². The lack of resources also makes it difficult to detect crimes, reducing the probabilities of conviction in criminal cases (Moreno and Palacio, 2019). Moreover, there is a lack of enforcement even in protected areas, that although they have a management plan, their implementation is not as effective (Alho et al., 2019).
ICMBio (2020a) found in the 2020 management effectiveness evaluation of the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, that out of the three actions related to inspection proposed in the inspection plan, two of them were partially executed and one was not carried out, indicating a low feasibility of doing so. This protected area has three public servants, two fixed and one assigned - who do not have the power to enforce laws (Moreno and Palacio, 2019). The 2023 management effectiveness assessment of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense (2023) suggests that it has a supervision plan; however, all related management actions are evaluated as having very low staffing levels, low to very low technical capacity, very limited equipment and financial resources, and a high need for external support (ICMBIO, 2023). This reflects the limited capacity for law enforcement, highlighting challenges in monitoring, compliance, and the effective implementation of the supervision plan. Nevertheless, due to the relative inaccessibility of the area and the fact that the most severe threats stem from sources not impacted by site-level law enforcement (i.e. upstream dams, pollution, climate change), the low capacity to enforce laws is a relatively low level issue in comparison to other aspects of protection and management.
ICMBio (2020a) found in the 2020 management effectiveness evaluation of the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, that out of the three actions related to inspection proposed in the inspection plan, two of them were partially executed and one was not carried out, indicating a low feasibility of doing so. This protected area has three public servants, two fixed and one assigned - who do not have the power to enforce laws (Moreno and Palacio, 2019). The 2023 management effectiveness assessment of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense (2023) suggests that it has a supervision plan; however, all related management actions are evaluated as having very low staffing levels, low to very low technical capacity, very limited equipment and financial resources, and a high need for external support (ICMBIO, 2023). This reflects the limited capacity for law enforcement, highlighting challenges in monitoring, compliance, and the effective implementation of the supervision plan. Nevertheless, due to the relative inaccessibility of the area and the fact that the most severe threats stem from sources not impacted by site-level law enforcement (i.e. upstream dams, pollution, climate change), the low capacity to enforce laws is a relatively low level issue in comparison to other aspects of protection and management.
Sustainable finance
In 2023, ICMBio received its highest budget since its establishment in 2007, amounting to R$ 407 million—22.3% more than the previous year. According to the Directorate of Planning, Administration, and Logistics (Diplan), a substantial share of these resources were allocated to prevention initiatives, such as prescribed burns (ICMBIO, 2023).
On the other hand, in April 2023, the first carbon credit project in the biome, called REDD+ Serra do Amolar, was certified. This project is developed by the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) in partnership with ISA CTEEP (Observatorio Pantanal, 2023). Specifically, the project is part of the Avoided Unplanned Deforestation and Degradation (AUDD) project category. REDD+ Serra does Amolar project preserves and conserves a representative part of the Pantanal ecosystem, which is about 140,900 ha, and which is located in the strategic region of the Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso. This region has high levels of deforestation risk caused by land speculation associated with livestock and agriculture. The project has quantifiable climate, community, and biodiversity (CCB) benefits because it provides full-time employment, training, and access for families that live in and around the project area to become self-empowered in a region where there are very few job opportunities. The project also seeks to promote and improve activities seven existing strategic lines, including ecotourism, research, fire prevention and governance/administration, and others (VERRA, n.d.). Although the REDD+ project represents a significant contribution to financial sustainability in the region, particularly for the RPPN Acurizal, there is no evidence of other initiatives that strengthen sustainable finance within the World Heritage site.
On the other hand, in April 2023, the first carbon credit project in the biome, called REDD+ Serra do Amolar, was certified. This project is developed by the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) in partnership with ISA CTEEP (Observatorio Pantanal, 2023). Specifically, the project is part of the Avoided Unplanned Deforestation and Degradation (AUDD) project category. REDD+ Serra does Amolar project preserves and conserves a representative part of the Pantanal ecosystem, which is about 140,900 ha, and which is located in the strategic region of the Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso. This region has high levels of deforestation risk caused by land speculation associated with livestock and agriculture. The project has quantifiable climate, community, and biodiversity (CCB) benefits because it provides full-time employment, training, and access for families that live in and around the project area to become self-empowered in a region where there are very few job opportunities. The project also seeks to promote and improve activities seven existing strategic lines, including ecotourism, research, fire prevention and governance/administration, and others (VERRA, n.d.). Although the REDD+ project represents a significant contribution to financial sustainability in the region, particularly for the RPPN Acurizal, there is no evidence of other initiatives that strengthen sustainable finance within the World Heritage site.
Staff capacity, training and development
The 2023 management effectiveness assessment of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense indicates that personnel levels are rated “very low” for 88% of management actions, “low” for 5.88%, and “nonexistent” for 5.88%. Additionally, technical capacity is classified as “very low” for 53.3%, “low” for 40%, and “moderate” for 6.7% of the actions (ICMBIO, 2023). This assessment highlights critical deficiencies in staff capacity, significantly hinder the park’s ability to effectively manage and conserve the area, emphasizing the necessity for investment in human resources, technical training, and professional development. In the last four years, education and training programs have been related to wildfire prevention and management. Recruitment of fire professionals was based in candidate performance on a physical fitness assessment (TAF), a practical assessment of tool handling (THUFA) and a 40-hour training program on forest fire prevention and combat, which included theoretical lessons and hands-on exercises. This approach played a key role in increasing the level of expertise and performance delivered by ICMBio’s forest fire brigades. ICMBio plays a key role in overseeing RPPNs. With respect to fire, it offers guidance on integrated fire management, provides training for forest fire brigades and supports preventive activities and firefighting operations, upon request (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Education and interpretation programmes
Environmental education is a management objective for the protected area categories comprising the property. The Instituto Homem Pataneiro develops training, updating measures aimed at actors who work in environmental conservation and preservation actions, especially in the Pantanal region. However activities on the ground appear project based and therefore no long-term education programme related to World Heritage values seems to exist for the property.
Among the permanent project highlights are the course on strategies for nature conservation and the field course of the Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Conservation at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) / Campus Pantanal (IHP, 2020d). Additionally, there is an awareness program in place, the Pantanal Expedition 2019 carried out by the NGO SOS Pantanal, whose 5th phase was developed inside and around de Amolar Mountains, seeking to bring ties closer together and assist in promoting the sustainable development of the Pantanal (SOS Pantanal, 2020b).
IPEDI (Instituto de Pesquisa da Diversidade Intercultural) has been working to improve education and preserve local traditional knowledge in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, however the funds are also project based, while educational materials are utilised longer term.
The Pantanal Biosphere Reserve is mobilising young people through the Brazilian Youth Network of the Brazilian Biosphere Reserves and the World Youth Network of the Biosphere Reserves to exchange ideas, discuss strategies and carry out actions for the preservation and sustainable development of the Pantanal.
Among the permanent project highlights are the course on strategies for nature conservation and the field course of the Postgraduate Program in Ecology and Conservation at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) / Campus Pantanal (IHP, 2020d). Additionally, there is an awareness program in place, the Pantanal Expedition 2019 carried out by the NGO SOS Pantanal, whose 5th phase was developed inside and around de Amolar Mountains, seeking to bring ties closer together and assist in promoting the sustainable development of the Pantanal (SOS Pantanal, 2020b).
IPEDI (Instituto de Pesquisa da Diversidade Intercultural) has been working to improve education and preserve local traditional knowledge in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul, however the funds are also project based, while educational materials are utilised longer term.
The Pantanal Biosphere Reserve is mobilising young people through the Brazilian Youth Network of the Brazilian Biosphere Reserves and the World Youth Network of the Biosphere Reserves to exchange ideas, discuss strategies and carry out actions for the preservation and sustainable development of the Pantanal.
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism is an important economic activity in the Pantanal, however, there is no evidence of a visitation/tourism plan for the Pantanal Complex. Visits to the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park are still authorized exceptionally to publicize the potential of ecotourism on the spot. However, there is no support structure for tourism in the National Park region (such as hotels, inns or restaurants for accommodation and food) and it is necessary to hire the hotel boats in the city of Corumbá / MS, or a hotel located in Porto Jofre, in Poconé / MT. There is no charge for admission, but prior authorization is required for visitation (ICMBio, 2020b). As to Private Reserves, Instituto Homem Pataneiro promotes visits to conservation units in the Amolar Mountains and one accommodation facility for visitors is located in PRNH Acurizal, in which the only permitted activities are research, environmental education and ecotourism. Among the activities offered are hiking, visits to riverside communities, boat expeditions on the Paraguay River and in bays close to the lodging centers and a visit to the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park. The great advantage of ecotourism practiced in these areas is that all the resources generated by the visitation will be reverted to the protection and conservation activities of these areas (IHP, 2020c).
Specifically, the management effectiveness evaluation of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense has identified the need to offer opportunities for public use and environmental awareness, encouraging visitors and local residents near the Park to understand and respect its value as a protected area and the importance of environmental conservation, in regards to tourist attractions in Baia do Burro, a trail on Morro do Caracará, and an archaeological site with cave paintings and inscriptions on Morro do Caracará, as a way to preserve the site values. However, by 2023, no action had been carried out (ICMBIO, 2023).
Additionally, the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) runs the Amolar Experience Program, which aims to promote and develop innovative and sustainable tourism experiences in the Serra do Amolar and its surroundings, ensuring a safe and high-quality experience for all travelers seeking to connect with this Pantanal region. The program's activities take place within the RPPN Acurizal and RPPN Eliezer Batista areas, where the only permitted activities are research, environmental education, and ecotourism. Both sites offer lodge-style accommodations and access to trails, hills, viewpoints, bays, corixos, and the rich biodiversity within their fully protected and conserved areas. Beyond these areas, Amolar Experience also enables tourism experiences in other environmental units and natural areas that are not officially designated as conservation units. These include visits to PARNA – Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, experiences in the crystal-clear waters of the Pantanal, and interactions with local communities such as Amolar and Barra do São Lourenço. The investments generated through tourism experiences under the Amolar Experience Program are reinvested into conservation and protection efforts for these areas, as well as into supporting local stakeholders who contribute to the experiences offered by the program (IHP, n.d).
Specifically, the management effectiveness evaluation of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense has identified the need to offer opportunities for public use and environmental awareness, encouraging visitors and local residents near the Park to understand and respect its value as a protected area and the importance of environmental conservation, in regards to tourist attractions in Baia do Burro, a trail on Morro do Caracará, and an archaeological site with cave paintings and inscriptions on Morro do Caracará, as a way to preserve the site values. However, by 2023, no action had been carried out (ICMBIO, 2023).
Additionally, the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP) runs the Amolar Experience Program, which aims to promote and develop innovative and sustainable tourism experiences in the Serra do Amolar and its surroundings, ensuring a safe and high-quality experience for all travelers seeking to connect with this Pantanal region. The program's activities take place within the RPPN Acurizal and RPPN Eliezer Batista areas, where the only permitted activities are research, environmental education, and ecotourism. Both sites offer lodge-style accommodations and access to trails, hills, viewpoints, bays, corixos, and the rich biodiversity within their fully protected and conserved areas. Beyond these areas, Amolar Experience also enables tourism experiences in other environmental units and natural areas that are not officially designated as conservation units. These include visits to PARNA – Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, experiences in the crystal-clear waters of the Pantanal, and interactions with local communities such as Amolar and Barra do São Lourenço. The investments generated through tourism experiences under the Amolar Experience Program are reinvested into conservation and protection efforts for these areas, as well as into supporting local stakeholders who contribute to the experiences offered by the program (IHP, n.d).
Sustainable use
Tourism and research are sustainable use activities allowed and encouraged in all conservation units of the Pantanal Complex. The management effectiveness evaluation of the National Park, acknowledges that ecological tourism in some places in the area, as well as scientific research, has positive effects on the conservation of values (ICMBio, 2020a). As regard to PRNH, believing in ecotourism as a sustainability tool, the Instituto Homem Pataneiro started in 2016 the ecotourism project in protected areas under its management, in which the only permitted activities are research, environmental education and ecotourism (IHP, 2020c). While fishing is a use prohibited in the National Park, one exception applies to the artisanal professional fishing practiced by members of the Traditional Community of Barra do São Lourenço, previously registered by ICMBio, according to some specifications and permission. These permits are subject to the execution of the fisheries monitoring program conducted by ICMBio in partnership with the community, located in the Park’s buffer zone (MMA/ICMBio, 2019). Some instances of non-compliance to existing rules have been noted, partially due to lack of enforcement, lack of trust in the scientific evidence used to establish limits and community members feeling like they do not have a voice in natural resource management rulemaking (Shirley, 2018). It seems that efforts to strengten relationships between different actors, like the management authority, scientists and local communities could be helpful.
Monitoring
Monitoring in federal conservation units is coordinated by the ICMBio through the “Monitora Program - National Biodiversity Monitoring Program”- and one of its objectives is to generate qualified information for the ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of federal UCs and the National System of Conservation Units in meeting their biodiversity conservation objectives. It was formalized in 2017, and the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is one of the conservation units with ongoing monitoring, focused on wetlands (ICMBio, 2018a). As part of this program, the National Park carried out fishing monitoring actions around the conservation unit. The activities developed in the buffer zone included the registration of residents of the traditional community of Barra do São Lourenço, the development of the experimental fishing protocol and the realization of the first self-monitoring workshop in the community (ICMBio, 2018b). Additionally, Instituto Homem Pataneiro conducted since 2010, environmental monitoring in the Amolar Monuntains Protection and Conservation Network (AMPCN). Its objective is to monitor and evaluate the ecological processes that regulate the way of life of the fauna that inhabits the protected areas of the AMPCN. The monitoring records the occurrence of species, determines diversity hotspots, identifies areas subject to anthropic changes and seasonality of ecological processes as quantitative and qualitative evidence, in the areas of the National Park and Pantanal and AMPCN (PRNH Doroche, Rumo ao Oeste, Acurizal, Penha and Eng Eliezer Batista, in addition to areas not legally declared as conservation units) (IHP, 2020e). Concerning fire monitoring, the portal Queimadas is continuously monitoring outbreaks of wildfires and forest fires detected by satellites, calculating and predicting vegetation fire risk, and registering updated information per biome and state, even with the chance to focus on protected areas (INPE, 2020).
In 2023, the Instituto Centro de Vida (ICV) continued its near real-time monitoring of fires, which once again affected the Pantanal. Using burned area data provided by NASA and daily satellite imagery, the institute helps raise awareness among society about the impacts of fires, particularly in the region of Parque Estadual Encontro das Águasand Parque Nacional do Pantanal Matogrossense (Observatório Pantanal, 2023).
In 2023, the Instituto Centro de Vida (ICV) continued its near real-time monitoring of fires, which once again affected the Pantanal. Using burned area data provided by NASA and daily satellite imagery, the institute helps raise awareness among society about the impacts of fires, particularly in the region of Parque Estadual Encontro das Águasand Parque Nacional do Pantanal Matogrossense (Observatório Pantanal, 2023).
Research
Elsewhere in the Pantanal, several research institutions have been involved in research for decades, often in close cooperation with renowned research institutions from all over the world. Since 2015, 28 civil society organizations active in Upper Paraguay River Basin, including Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay have been working together in the initiative “Pantanal Observatory”. It represents the union of civil society organizations, acting in favor of socio-environmental issues in the region. Its mission is to create a space for the generation, diffusion and application of traditional knowledge and scientific information to the public of the region and the international community, to promote and catalyze effective and efficient actions for sustainable development and political impact in and for the Pantanal biome (Observatorio Pantanal, n.d). However, is not clear how these research results and networking initiatives are being incorporated by the conservation units to support planning, management and decision-making to ensure that values are maintained over the long-term.
The Pantanal Research Network/PPBio Project is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC), ICMBio, federal universities, and researchers from over 20 institutions across three sub-networks. These sub-networks utilize science and technology to share real-time information and develop strategies for fire prevention and mitigation in the Pantanal biome. The objectives are analyzing fires in the Pantanal using satellite data, to develop a fire risk forecasting and warning system and to explore the use of fire as a management tool under various ecological conditions in the biome (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
The Pantanal Research Network/PPBio Project is a collaborative initiative involving the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation and Communications (MCTIC), ICMBio, federal universities, and researchers from over 20 institutions across three sub-networks. These sub-networks utilize science and technology to share real-time information and develop strategies for fire prevention and mitigation in the Pantanal biome. The objectives are analyzing fires in the Pantanal using satellite data, to develop a fire risk forecasting and warning system and to explore the use of fire as a management tool under various ecological conditions in the biome (State Party of Brazil, 2024).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
Although there is no specific management plan or governance system for the Word Heritage site, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Pantanal biome have strengthened collaboration among various stakeholders to address this threat, including: ICMBIO, IBAMA, State Environment Secretariats of the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, State Fire Brigades (MT, MS, PR, among others), Ministry of Defense, National Force, third sector organizations, volunteers and farm owners in the regions affected by the fire (State party of Brazil, 2022).
Also, even though this is beyond the site’s management competence, legislation regarding prohibition of dam construction on Cuiabá River and Pantanal Law, demonstrates a good governance level among different stakeholders. However, the effectiveness in addressing threats remains limited, as enforcement challenges and policy implementation gaps continue to pose risks to the Pantanal’s ecological integrity.
Also, even though this is beyond the site’s management competence, legislation regarding prohibition of dam construction on Cuiabá River and Pantanal Law, demonstrates a good governance level among different stakeholders. However, the effectiveness in addressing threats remains limited, as enforcement challenges and policy implementation gaps continue to pose risks to the Pantanal’s ecological integrity.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Since there is no integrated management system for the World Heritage site, it was only possible to objectively assess the effectiveness of the management system for PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense. The 2023 management effectiveness evaluation of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense indicates an overall moderate effectiveness (50.2%), showing a decline compared to 2022.
The lowest-scoring indicators are inputs (33.8%) and planning (39%), while the highest scores are for results (63.1%) and products and services (76%). Additionally, the assessment reveals that four out of six resources and values within the protected area are currently under intervention, while only two remain conserved (ICMBIO, 2024).
Moreover, to date, there is no comprehensive assessment of fire impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)of the property (State Party of Brazil, 2024). This lack of evaluation hinders the design and implementation of effective recovery measures across the entire property, including the Acurizal, Penha, and Dorochê private reserves.
The lowest-scoring indicators are inputs (33.8%) and planning (39%), while the highest scores are for results (63.1%) and products and services (76%). Additionally, the assessment reveals that four out of six resources and values within the protected area are currently under intervention, while only two remain conserved (ICMBIO, 2024).
Moreover, to date, there is no comprehensive assessment of fire impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV)of the property (State Party of Brazil, 2024). This lack of evaluation hinders the design and implementation of effective recovery measures across the entire property, including the Acurizal, Penha, and Dorochê private reserves.
Given the complexity and scale of threats, with most originating beyond the World Heritage site, the protection and management of the Pantanal biome face significant challenges despite notable advancements. While progress has been made in strengthening the legal framework, governance structures, and international conservation designations, as well as in education and interpretation programs, monitoring, and research, these efforts remain insufficient in fully addressing the growing environmental pressures.
The overlapping international designations, including its status as a Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, offer an essential foundation for conservation efforts. However, the lack of an integrated management system for the entire World Heritage site, coupled with limited human resources, weakens its ability to respond effectively to emerging and increasing threats. Key risks such as intensifying wildfires, unsustainable land use, hydrological alterations, and climate change demand coordinated action beyond protected area boundaries. Additionally, despite legal advancements, enforcement remains a persistent challenge, often constrained by institutional capacity and resource limitations. Addressing these multifaceted threats requires a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach, integrating local communities, private stakeholders, and international cooperation to ensure the long-term resilience of both the Pantanal biome and the World Heritage site.
The overlapping international designations, including its status as a Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, offer an essential foundation for conservation efforts. However, the lack of an integrated management system for the entire World Heritage site, coupled with limited human resources, weakens its ability to respond effectively to emerging and increasing threats. Key risks such as intensifying wildfires, unsustainable land use, hydrological alterations, and climate change demand coordinated action beyond protected area boundaries. Additionally, despite legal advancements, enforcement remains a persistent challenge, often constrained by institutional capacity and resource limitations. Addressing these multifaceted threats requires a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach, integrating local communities, private stakeholders, and international cooperation to ensure the long-term resilience of both the Pantanal biome and the World Heritage site.
Good practice examples
The Amolar Mountains Protection and Conservation Network (AMPCN) represents a good example of partnership between organizations that own land destined to conservation and socio-educational actions, giving opportunity to improve relationships between local people and stakeholders (IHP, 2020b). In this sense, Martins, da Silva and de Souza (2019) state that NGOs carry out interesting and necessary work with the community, which involves the management of the activities such as monitoring and inspection, firefighting, training, educational actions and assistance in national and international research projects. They also found that income generation contributed to the empowerment of women in the community.
Outstanding landscape beauty
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The management effectiveness assessment of PARNA Pantanal Matogrossense indicates that the value "Wetland ecosystems and landscapes of the Serra do Amolar, which encompass the UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site" is currently under intervention due to the escalating impact of wildfires. While integrated fire management actions have been partially implemented (ICMBIO, 2023), they have not been sufficient to mitigate the increasing threats posed by recurrent and intensifying fires. Research shows that fires in the Pantanal are now 40% more intense than they would have been without climate change (Barnes et al. 2024). There remains a lack of understanding of the long-term impacts of the fires on the ecosystem, however it is clear that fires are currently having a direct impact on key attributes associated with the World Heritage values of the property. In the Brazilian Pantanal, the 2020 fires reached 40,000 km2, with a recorded number of fire outbreaks 400% greater than the median between 1998–2019. The fires consumed considerable portions of forest cover and ecologically important areas that would otherwise provide shelter, food, and landscape connectivity to many species. Furthermore, the fires impacted biological communities in the Pantanal beyond the affected land extent. For example, the fires destroyed extensive swathes of private and public protected areas, forest patches at high elevation areas, riparian vegetation, and keystone tree species that provide fruits or nesting sites for birds (e.g., for Hyacinth macaw, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus). Plants with low resistance and resilience against fire and less agile vertebrates such as anteaters, armadillos, sloths, and reptiles were probably the most affected species (de Barros et al. 2022). To what extent these attributes can be restored and therefore the long term impact on the outstanding natural beauty remains to be fully evaluated.
Despite the lack of comprehensive data on the long-term ecological consequences, the observed trends in the 2014, 2017, and 2020 assessments show a worsening situation, leading to a change in status from low to high concern. This shift reflects not only the growing frequency and severity of fires but also the limited capacity to effectively prevent, manage, and restore affected areas. The persistent lack of resources, combined with climate change-driven extreme weather conditions, underscores the urgent need for enhanced fire management strategies and greater investment in prevention, monitoring, and restoration efforts.
Despite the lack of comprehensive data on the long-term ecological consequences, the observed trends in the 2014, 2017, and 2020 assessments show a worsening situation, leading to a change in status from low to high concern. This shift reflects not only the growing frequency and severity of fires but also the limited capacity to effectively prevent, manage, and restore affected areas. The persistent lack of resources, combined with climate change-driven extreme weather conditions, underscores the urgent need for enhanced fire management strategies and greater investment in prevention, monitoring, and restoration efforts.
Ongoing ecological processes
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
In the case of the Pantanal wetland, underpinning ecological processes, land use change in the adjacent highland, the damming of upstream rivers and weather fluctuations exert important influences on the ecosystem dynamics (Pompeu, 2025).
Even though the ecosystem where the World Heritage site is immersed has demonstrated resilience and maintenance of its ecological dynamics (Agrotools, 2018), there are multiple current and potential threats in the neighbouring areas affecting the site: deficient water quality and alterations in movement regime of migratory fishes, habitat loss (Alho and Reis, 2017; Schulz et al., 2019); high levels of mercury accumulating in local food chain (Schulz et al., 2019); effects on nutrient cycling and provision of fish habitat (Guerra et al., 2020; Schulz et al., 2019; Alho and Reis, 2017); potential change of composition of the species present at the site (Aranda and Aoki, 2018). These alterations to ongoing ecological processes and their causes were identified in the 2014, 2017 and 2020 assessments and appear to be intensifying over time, aggravated by the fact that their mitigation is mainly beyond the reach of the actors managing the conservation units of the site and the increasing effects of climate change and wildfires in the Pantanal biome. This trend remains since the 2014, 2017 and 2020 assessments.
Even though the ecosystem where the World Heritage site is immersed has demonstrated resilience and maintenance of its ecological dynamics (Agrotools, 2018), there are multiple current and potential threats in the neighbouring areas affecting the site: deficient water quality and alterations in movement regime of migratory fishes, habitat loss (Alho and Reis, 2017; Schulz et al., 2019); high levels of mercury accumulating in local food chain (Schulz et al., 2019); effects on nutrient cycling and provision of fish habitat (Guerra et al., 2020; Schulz et al., 2019; Alho and Reis, 2017); potential change of composition of the species present at the site (Aranda and Aoki, 2018). These alterations to ongoing ecological processes and their causes were identified in the 2014, 2017 and 2020 assessments and appear to be intensifying over time, aggravated by the fact that their mitigation is mainly beyond the reach of the actors managing the conservation units of the site and the increasing effects of climate change and wildfires in the Pantanal biome. This trend remains since the 2014, 2017 and 2020 assessments.
High biodiversity and large wildlife aggregations
High Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
Threats to the biodiversity of the Pantanal Conservation Area are related to the anthropic activities taking place in the surroundings (Roque et al. 2016), affecting ecological and hydrological processes. Overall, there is a lack of data on the current status and trend of the Pantanal's biodiversity to comprehensively assess this value, however below is a collection of studies focussing on the biodiversity of the Pantanal and recent observations.
ICMBio (2020a) determined that the resource "biodiversity" corresponding to Pantanal ecosystems and genetic resources in Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, is stable, while lake ecosystems and other wetlands are compromised, due to anthropic factors such as illegal fishing.
Jaguars: The 2020 fires were the most severe in the annual series, burned 31% of the Pantanal and affected 45% of the estimated jaguar population (87% of these in Brazil); 79% of the home range areas, and 54% of the protected areas within home ranges. Fires consumed core habitats and injured several jaguars. Displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defence, and lower fecundity are
among the impacts that may affect the abundance of the species. These impacts are likely to affect other less mobile species and, therefore, the ecological stability of the region (de Barros et al. 2022).
Mammals generally: Another study indicates that the megafires will have significant consequences for species occupancy and fitness in fire-affected areas. Of eight species monitored, six (ocelots, collared peccaries Dicotyles tajacu, giant armadillos Priodontes maximus, Azara's agouti Dasyprocta azarae, red brocket deer Mazama americana, and tapirs Tapirus terrestris) had declining occupancy following fires, and one had stable habitat use (pumas Puma concolor) (Bardales et al. 2024).
Avifauna: To date, the true richness of the Pantanal avifauna has not been explored satisfactorily caused by a lack of studies in the region and, especially, by the divergence of opinion among the works published by various authors on the many species found in the region. This is due to the lack of criteria in examining records, both with regard to the reliability of the identifications and in the precise geographical allocation. Nunes et al. (2021) found that the avifauna of the Pantanal floodplain is composed of a total of 617 species, of which 571 (92%) have supporting records of occurrence (primary list) and 46 still lack documentation (secondary list). The number of species listed for the Pantanal floodplain represents 32% of all avifauna known to the Brazilian territory. This reflects the importance of the biome, as part of the national territory, for the maintenance of a meaningful avifaunistic richness. Migratory birds (n = 183), notably northern ones (n = 43), are among the main players involved in ecological processes of nutrient cycling and dispersion of important pathogens between the two continents. With regard to conservation, 25 species are included in some category of threat in the lists of threatened species with global extinction (Nunes et al. 2021).
In a study on fire response of birds in the area thirty-three species showed a negative response toward burned areas, but 46 species showed the opposite response, and 24 species were similarly abundant in unburned and burned areas. The results demonstrate the complexity of the response of birds to the extreme fire events in the Pantanal and provides valuable insight into the recovery and resilience of local avifauna (Schuchmann et al. 2024).
Fish: Concerns are high regarding the threat posed by dam construction and water pollution on fish populations (e.g. Fernando, 2024).
ICMBio (2020a) determined that the resource "biodiversity" corresponding to Pantanal ecosystems and genetic resources in Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, is stable, while lake ecosystems and other wetlands are compromised, due to anthropic factors such as illegal fishing.
Jaguars: The 2020 fires were the most severe in the annual series, burned 31% of the Pantanal and affected 45% of the estimated jaguar population (87% of these in Brazil); 79% of the home range areas, and 54% of the protected areas within home ranges. Fires consumed core habitats and injured several jaguars. Displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defence, and lower fecundity are
among the impacts that may affect the abundance of the species. These impacts are likely to affect other less mobile species and, therefore, the ecological stability of the region (de Barros et al. 2022).
Mammals generally: Another study indicates that the megafires will have significant consequences for species occupancy and fitness in fire-affected areas. Of eight species monitored, six (ocelots, collared peccaries Dicotyles tajacu, giant armadillos Priodontes maximus, Azara's agouti Dasyprocta azarae, red brocket deer Mazama americana, and tapirs Tapirus terrestris) had declining occupancy following fires, and one had stable habitat use (pumas Puma concolor) (Bardales et al. 2024).
Avifauna: To date, the true richness of the Pantanal avifauna has not been explored satisfactorily caused by a lack of studies in the region and, especially, by the divergence of opinion among the works published by various authors on the many species found in the region. This is due to the lack of criteria in examining records, both with regard to the reliability of the identifications and in the precise geographical allocation. Nunes et al. (2021) found that the avifauna of the Pantanal floodplain is composed of a total of 617 species, of which 571 (92%) have supporting records of occurrence (primary list) and 46 still lack documentation (secondary list). The number of species listed for the Pantanal floodplain represents 32% of all avifauna known to the Brazilian territory. This reflects the importance of the biome, as part of the national territory, for the maintenance of a meaningful avifaunistic richness. Migratory birds (n = 183), notably northern ones (n = 43), are among the main players involved in ecological processes of nutrient cycling and dispersion of important pathogens between the two continents. With regard to conservation, 25 species are included in some category of threat in the lists of threatened species with global extinction (Nunes et al. 2021).
In a study on fire response of birds in the area thirty-three species showed a negative response toward burned areas, but 46 species showed the opposite response, and 24 species were similarly abundant in unburned and burned areas. The results demonstrate the complexity of the response of birds to the extreme fire events in the Pantanal and provides valuable insight into the recovery and resilience of local avifauna (Schuchmann et al. 2024).
Fish: Concerns are high regarding the threat posed by dam construction and water pollution on fish populations (e.g. Fernando, 2024).
Ongoing hydrological processes
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Although the World Heritage site covers only a small part of the entire Pantanal, its hydrological processes are immersed in the dynamics of this ecosystem and, therefore, highly affected by current and potential threats looming in its environment. These hydrological processes, in turn, are interrelated with and underpin the other site values identified, such as its scenic beauty, ongoing ecological processes and high biodiversity. While the effects of climate change on this particular ecosystem are not known with certainty, extreme floods and droughts are expected to occur, causing further disturbances to the site's hydrological processes (Tomas et al., 2019; Aranda and Aoki, 2018). The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil stated that traditionally, the Pantanal's dry season occurs in the latter half of the year. However, climate change and the influence of El Niño have accelerated its onset and intensified drought conditions. In May 2024, the National Water Agency (Agência Nacional das Águas) declared a critical water shortage in the Paraguay Basin for the first time. "The entire Paraguay Basin is experiencing severe water scarcity. Water levels have not reached their usual marks, and there was no transition period between El Niño and La Niña” (MMA, 2024). The Pantanal Conservation Area is along the Paraguay River, which once remained flooded year-round or for most of the year but have more recently experienced prolonged droughts. Since 1980, average temperatures have risen by 2°C and humidity has fallen by 25%. Each year, flooding covers a smaller area and lasts for less time. In 2023, the flooded surface was 61% below the historical average, and in May 2024, the water level at the main gauge of the Paraguay River, in Ladário, reached its lowest point on record (State of Party of Brazil, 2024).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Deteriorating
As of 2024, the assessment of the Pantanal Conservation Area's World Heritage values reveals growing threats, particularly from climate change, wildfires, and hydrological disruptions. While its landscape beauty remains mostly conserved, wetland ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecological processes face escalating pressures. Recurrent fires and extreme droughts are intensifying, severely impacting wildlife and water cycles. These challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger management strategies, enhanced fire prevention, and improved water governance beyond the site's boundaries to safeguard the area's long-term conservation.
Additional information
Importance for research,
Contribution to education
The entire Pantanal is of extraordinary scientific importance as one of the largest and most complex wetlands of the world. Both the national park and the adjacent private protected areas (RPPNs) promote environmental education among their key management objectives. Education is furthermore an explicit objective of the overlapping biosphere reserve. Currently, the Pantanal Observatory groups 33 civil society organizations operating in the Alto Paraguay River Basin, in Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. The objective is to promote synergies between institutions and areas of connectivity, making available scientific information and traditional knowledge for society, promoting training in various levels and providing the bases for processes of influence and decision-making and public policy (Observatorio Pantanal, n.d).
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation,
Flood prevention,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality),
Pollination
Carbon sequestration is one of the most acknowledged environmental services provided by wetlands (Were et al., 2019). Other than that, it has been identified that the broader Pantanal has the capacity to supply all four ecosystem services categories (provisioning, regulating, cultural and habitat), among which are: i) Maintenance and purification of water sources, necessary for humans, animals, farming, and river transport; ii) Protection and maintenance of soil fertility, necessary for agriculture; iii) Protection and conservation of plants and wildlife, necessary for human consumption; iv) Biological control to avoid plagues from destroying crops and pollination, v) Regulation of the hydro-biological processes to avoid droughts and floods; vi) Regulation of climate, avoiding abrupt changes in temperatures, rain and wind; and vii) Purification of air (Bedoya, 2018; WWF, n.d)
A recent study estimated the monetary value of approximately US $60 billion for the ecosystem services provided by the biome (US $3932.05 ha1 year1) (Bolzan et al., 2021).
A recent study estimated the monetary value of approximately US $60 billion for the ecosystem services provided by the biome (US $3932.05 ha1 year1) (Bolzan et al., 2021).
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks,
Traditional agriculture,
Livestock grazing areas
The Pantanal - rather than the World Heritage site itself - is of critical importance to local communities, which depend on the wetland's natural resources, including non-timber forest products, fish and beef meat for food (Bedoya, 2018). Agriculture and cattle ranching ranges from the level of local subsistence to the large-scale commercial.
Today, the few families that remain in the region of the Amolar Mountains, where the Complex is located, practice agriculture, fishing, livestock and extracting natural resources for their subsistence (Ecoa, n.d)
Today, the few families that remain in the region of the Amolar Mountains, where the Complex is located, practice agriculture, fishing, livestock and extracting natural resources for their subsistence (Ecoa, n.d)
History and tradition,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
The region has a rich history, in addition to its natural environmental value. Prior to European colonization indigenous peoples have been using the natural resources of the Pantanal for more than 5,000 years (Mittermeier et al., 2005) and continue to do so in some areas. The broader region was home to many groups of Kaiowá, Terena, Borôro, Guató, and Guaykuru peoples, many of whose descendants now live in the region, some in indigenous reserves still largely observing historical traditions. Many of the few remaining Guató live in and around the national park (Mittermeier et al., 2005), including one of the last native speakers of the Guató language. The more recent history has shaped a very particular "Pantaneiro" culture, which is today being replaced by modern agriculture. The Brazilian Constitution recognizes the Pantanal as one of a handful of landscapes as national natural heritage, illustrating its iconic nature. As a comparatively wild place of global conservation significance, the Pantanal has been receiving international attention for decades.
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
Tourism and recreation are localized due to the remoteness and limited infrastructure, the World Heritage site being one hub in the Brazilian Pantanal. There is some fishing tourism and wildlife observation based out of riverboat hotels and out of land-based hotels in Porto Jofre. Instituto Homem Pataneiro promotes visits to conservation units in the Amolar Mountains (including Private Reserves Acurizal, Penha and Dorochê) and one accommodation facility for visitors is located in RPPN Acurizal, in which the only permitted activities are research, environmental education and ecotourism (IHP, 2020c). Private landowners also host tourists on a limited basis.
The benefits of the Pantanal Conservation Complex can hardly be separated from the benefits of the wider Pantanal. It provides multiple and important benefits and the four categories of environmental services (provisioning, regulating, cultural and habitat), not only to local communities but also to millions of people of the Paraguay River Basin. Particularly at the site, it is possible to identify the benefits related to knowledge, food, cultural and spiritual values, recreation, and to a lesser extent, the contribution to local economies.
While it is acknowledged that all factors negatively affecting provision of benefits (land use change, pollution, over exploitation, climate change and invasive species) are present to some extent in the site, is difficult to stablish its level of impact. However, it is likely that these factors continue to increase over time, due to the high dynamics of anthropogenic and economic intervention, which was previously mentioned in the assessment.
While it is acknowledged that all factors negatively affecting provision of benefits (land use change, pollution, over exploitation, climate change and invasive species) are present to some extent in the site, is difficult to stablish its level of impact. However, it is likely that these factors continue to increase over time, due to the high dynamics of anthropogenic and economic intervention, which was previously mentioned in the assessment.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO), Inter-American Development Bank, The Ministry of the Environment (MMA) | The Project takes place through three main strategies: 1. Consolidation of the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC), including the creation of new Conservation Units (UCs) and support for existing ones; 2. Recovery of native vegetation; and 3. National Action Plans for endangered species |
https://www.mma.gov.br/areas-protegidas/programas-e-projetos/projeto-gef-terrestre.html
https://www.funbio.org.br/programas_e_projetos/gef-terrestre/
|
| 2 | WWF Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay | Project PASOS - Pantanal Sustainable Landscape, Cerrado and Chiquitano Dry Forest (2018-2021). Strategic objective: Contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem services and cultural functions in the Cerrado, Pantanal and the Bosque Seco Chiquitano, to ensure a sustainable productive development and improve human wellbeing. |
http://www.wwf.org.py/que_hacemos/proyectos/pasos/
|
| 3 | Instituto Homem Pantaneiro | The "Pantanal Headwaters" project aims to protect the springs and permanent preservation areas (APPs) of the Plateau region of the Upper Paraguay Basin (BAP). Several organizations joined the IHP / Rede do Amolar in this effort. With the help of geotechnology and field surveys, a diagnosis of the situation of these springs and APPs will be carried out. The Geopantanal Platform will systematize and make available, in a web environment, data from satellites combined with field data (environmental monitoring and research) from the region covered by the project. |
https://www.institutohomempantaneiro.org.br/cabeceiras-do-pantanal
|
| 4 | Women of Pantanal (MUPAN) | “Corredor Azul” is a ten-year programme led by Wetlands International and funded by DOB Ecology. Its vision is that unique biodiversity and the well-being of millions of people living along the Corredor Azul are safeguarded by a healthy and connected wetland system. It is expected that by the end of this programme some 1 million hectares of wetlands will be under sustainable management, and production in 300,000 hectares will be guided by best production practices that avoid wetland degradation and loss. At 3,400 km in length, the Corredor Azul encompasses the fourth largest wetland system in the world, the heart of which is the Paraná River and the Paraguay River in South America. |
https://www.mupan.org.br/corredorazul/
https://www.wetlands.org/casestudy/corredor-azul/
|
| 5 | Sustainability Institute | Environmental project “Animals from the Pantanal”. Project for Socio-Environmental Responsibility, sponsored by Petrobras, through the Petrobras Socio-environmental Program. The initiative works to increase the scientific knowledge and the preservation of important species of the Pantanal fauna, especially the Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), fish, the various species of birds that use the rivers, and in the predators that depend on the river as the Jaguar, (Panthera onca) that lives on the banks of the Paraguay river. |
http://www.bichosdopantanal.org/
|
| 6 | 33 civil society organizations of Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay | At the Pantanal Observatory, there are efforts and administrative cooperation combined for the capture and availability of information that helps to promote respect for socio-biodiversity in the region. This way, this organization aims to promote synergies between institutions and knowledge areas, providing scientific information and traditional knowledge to society, promoting training at various levels and providing the basis for processes of influence in decision making and public policies. This initiative is supported by the European Union. |
https://observatoriopantanal.org/
|
| 7 | The Ministry of the Environment (MMA) has the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as the implementing agency and the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund - FUNBIO as the executing agency. | It will operate in the three biomes with the least representation in the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC): Pampa with 2.9% of protected areas, Pantanal with 4.6%, and Caatinga with 9%. Three strategies will be used to promote conservation in these biomes. They are: (1) the expansion and consolidation of the SNUC through the creation of new Conservation Units (UC) and the improvement of the effectiveness of existing ones; (2) restoration of native vegetation; and (3) National Action Plans for threatened species. This will involve local communities and property owners around the UCs. |
https://www.funbio.org.br/programas_e_projetos/gef-terrestre/
|
| 8 | Celeo Networks, Instituto Homem Pantaneiro (IHP), VBIO | Law to prevent forest fires, reducing the area affected by fire. Act in the fight against forest fires (when necessary), reducing the impact of fire on local communities and biodiversity. Carry out the rescue and care of wildlife affected by fires. Raise awareness in the local community about wildlife health education. |
https://www.vbio.eco/projeto-rede-amolar
|
| 9 | IDB, Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), European Union, Water and Sanitation Cooperation Fund. | Its objective was to help the governments of Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay implement an integrated action to ensure water security. |
https://www.eulaif.eu/es/noticias/iniciativa-pantanal-la-contribucion-de-los-fondos-laif-la-gestion-sostenible-de-recursos
|
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