The Midwest Region of Brazil, since its colonization in the first half of the last century, has gone through an occupation process that resulted in a highly concentrated land structure. Its economy, after the initial period in which mining played an important role in some areas, was based mainly on livestock and agriculture.

It is possible to observe different patterns in the occupation of the different areas of the Midwest, influenced by undertakings aimed at grain farming and livestock, with the application of advanced technology, as well as by the proximity to the Southeast Region.

The Midwest Region of Brazil is an area of great environmental importance due to the presence of the Pantanal, Cerrado and Amazon biomes. These biomes face significant environmental preservation challenges due to the continuous stimulus to economic development, mainly through agricultural activity.

Wetlands, like the Pantanal – with its largest territory between the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, encompassing areas in Bolivia and Paraguay – perform important environmental services, including water storage and purification, sediment retention, climate regulation and maintenance of biodiversity.

Although the Pantanal Biome has specific legal protection, with recognition as a National Heritage Site by the Federal Constitution of 1988 and as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations, it still suffers impacts from agricultural activity. The new Forestry Code establishes conditions for ecologically sustainable exploration and suppression of native vegetation in these areas. However, this legislation reduced the protection to wetlands by defining the bed of the regular river channel as a parameter for measuring the APP (Permanent Preservation Area), reducing the scope of protection.

The reduction in water surface is a direct result of human actions, which affect the climate and the environment. Floods are essential for the balance of the biome, and the decrease in the amount of water is linked to climatic issues, such as more intense droughts, in addition to the increase in deforestation, especially in riparian forests close to rivers, which contributes to silting and river sedimentation.

In the past, the Pantanal used to be flooded for about six months a year, but in recent years, this period of flooding has been reduced to just two months. This drastic change directly affects the fauna, flora and ecosystems of the Pantanal, which depend on seasonal floods for their proper functioning.

The Cerrado Biome, although present in other regions of the country besides the Midwest, is considered a world area of biodiversity. Only 7,44% of its area is protected by conservation units. Deforestation in the Cerrado has been alarming, with annual rates higher than in other Brazilian biomes. This Biome covers an extensive area of approximately 25% of the national territory. It extends for about 1.8 to 2 million square kilometers, reaching several states, such as Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Federal District, Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and parts of São Paulo.

The Amazon Biome, which occupies around 50% of the national territory, covers some municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso in the Midwest Region. It occupies an area of 4,196,943 Km², which corresponds to more than 40% of the national territory and is mainly constituted by a tropical forest.

The Amazon passes through the territories of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará and Roraima, and part of the territory of Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Rondônia and Tocantins. It is formed by different ecosystems such as dense terra firme forests, seasonal forests, igapó forests, flooded fields, floodplains, savannahs, mountain refuges and pioneer formations. Even though it is our most preserved biome, around 16% of its area has already been devastated, which is equivalent to two and a half times the area of the state of São Paulo.

The preservation of the Midwest Region and its biomes guarantees the survival of the species and ecosystems present, contributes to the maintenance of essential ecosystem services for the quality of life of local populations, and for the health of the planet as a whole.

The Importance of the Pantanal: Preserving the Cradle of Brazilian Biodiversity

Conserving the Pantanal means thinking about the Basin as a whole. The Pantanal, known for its uniqueness and sensitivity, is much more than a simple floodplain. Located in the center of the Alto Paraguai hydrographic basin, it is a geographical region surrounded by the plateaus of the basin, with altitudes ranging from 80 to 150 meters. However, to truly understand the importance and conservation of the Pantanal, it is essential to consider the watershed as a whole, after all, everything in this region is interconnected.

The Pantanal watershed is transboundary and covers an area of 624,320 km², with approximately 62% in Brazil, 20% in Bolivia and 18% in Paraguay. This vast expanse of territory is home to hydrological resources that are crucial for supplying several cities, home to around three million people. Therefore, the conservation of the Pantanal goes beyond the preservation of a single biome, extending to the protection of the entire hydrographic basin and the ecosystem services it offers.

The ecological processes and the environmental balance of the Pantanal are strongly influenced by the events that occur in the upper parts of the hydrographic basin. The water that originates in these higher areas flows to the floodplain, carrying with it sediments, nutrients and all the biological diversity. This “water pulse” is the rhythm that dictates life in the Pantanal – a dynamic, complex and delicate cycle.

The protection of springs, rivers and areas adjacent to the plain is essential to maintain the integrity of this ecosystem. Deforestation, pollution and inappropriate land use in these high areas can have devastating consequences for the Pantanal. The silting up of rivers, the decrease in water flow and the degradation of habitats compromise the health of this very special biome and directly affect the fauna, flora and human communities that depend on natural resources.

The richness and biological diversity of the Pantanal are impressive, harboring a vast number of species in its ecosystems. It is estimated that there are at least 4,700 species in the region, including 3,500 species of plants, 650 species of birds, 124 species of mammals, 80 species of reptiles, 60 species of amphibians and 260 species of freshwater fish. However, many of these species are threatened with extinction, highlighting the importance of preserving the Pantanal.

The Pantanal biome has a significant area in Brazil, with the Pantanal Plain accounting for approximately 151,000 km². In addition, the Plateau of the Upper Paraguay Basin (BAP) covers about 217,000 km² in the country. Combining the plain and plateau areas, the Brazilian Pantanal totals approximately 368,000 km².

However, when we consider it in its entirety, including the areas of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, the Pantanal Plain reaches 195,000 km². Furthermore, when adding the plains and the plateau, that is, the BAP as a whole in the three countries, the Pantanal reaches an impressive extension of 610,000 km².

These expressive numbers demonstrate the importance and magnitude of the Pantanal as one of the most relevant biomes in terms of biodiversity in South America and in the world. Its wetlands are essential habitats for a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic and found only in this region.

The Pantanal faced one of the worst environmental crises in its history in 2020, with a series of devastating fires that alarmingly affected its fauna and flora. A study conducted by researchers from 14 institutions revealed worrying data about the impact of these fires on the fauna of the Pantanal, indicating that almost 17 million vertebrate animals lost their lives during this period.

The study highlighted that the animals most frequently found among the victims of the fires were groups of small snakes, birds and rodents, as well as lizards, artiodactyls (for example, deer and tapirs) and primates. This massive loss of animal life represents a serious threat to the biological diversity and ecosystems of the Pantanal.

Snakes, birds and rodents play key roles in the Pantanal's ecosystems, such as regulating insect populations and seed dispersal. The loss of these species affects the ecological dynamics of the biome, compromising its resilience and ability to recover.

In addition, lizards, artiodactyls and primates are considered key species, playing crucial ecological roles in maintaining the ecological balance of the Pantanal. The reduction of their populations has significant impacts on food chains and interaction processes between species.

The fires in the Pantanal not only claimed millions of animal lives, but also caused irreparable damage to the natural habitats and breeding areas of these species. The fire destroyed vegetation, reduced sources of food and shelter, and fragmented habitats, making it difficult for affected populations to survive and recover.

Updated data for the year 2023 on accumulated deforestation in the Pantanal reveal a worrying reality for the preservation of this important biome. The most recent figures show that two Brazilian states are responsible for most of the deforestation in the region.

The state of Mato Grosso do Sul leads this sad ranking, with a total of 10,797.03 km² of deforested area, which corresponds to around 71,73% of accumulated deforestation in the Pantanal. These numbers are alarming and require immediate action to reverse this trend and ensure the conservation of this valuable ecosystem.

In second place is the state of Mato Grosso, with 4,255.76 km² of deforested area, representing approximately 28.27% of total deforestation in the Pantanal. Although this proportion is lower than that of Mato Grosso do Sul, it is still a significant contribution to the problem and requires special attention from authorities and society as a whole.

Deforestation in the Pantanal has serious consequences for biodiversity, ecosystems and local communities that depend on these natural resources. Deforestation compromises the integrity of habitats, threatens the survival of endemic species and contributes to the degradation of ecosystem services provided by the biome.

With regard to the municipalities that make up this region, deforestation has significantly affected, compromising the preservation of this important biome. The municipality of Corumbá occupies the first place in this sad ranking, with a deforested area of 5,329.81 km², representing approximately 35,41% of the accumulated deforestation in the Pantanal.

In second place is the municipality of Aquidauana, with a deforested area of 2,295.90 km², corresponding to about 15.25% of total deforestation in the Pantanal.

In addition, other municipalities also stand out in this worrying scenario, such as Rio Verde de Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Porto Murtinho, Santo Antônio do Leverger, Poconé, Barão de Melgaço, Coxim, Sonora, Itiquira, Nossa Senhora do Livramento and Porto Esperidião, which have significant levels of deforestation in their areas.

In addition, there is deforestation in the indigenous areas of the Pantanal, which jeopardizes not only the preservation of the biome, but also the ways of life and culture of the indigenous communities that inhabit these areas. The Kadiwéu indigenous area is the most affected by deforestation, with a deforested area of 48.96 km², corresponding to approximately 60.27% of accumulated deforestation in the indigenous areas of the Pantanal. These numbers demonstrate a direct threat to the survival of these people and their traditional practices of sustainable management of natural resources.

In second place is the Taunay/Ipegue indigenous area, with a deforested area of 21.53 km², representing about 26.51% of total deforestation. The loss of vegetation in this region compromises not only the local biodiversity, but also the ancestral knowledge and cultural traditions of the indigenous peoples who live there.

Other indigenous areas are also suffering the impacts of deforestation, such as Cachoeirinha, Tereza Cristina, Guató, Baía dos Guató, Perigara and Taunay/Ipegue. While some of these areas have seen less deforestation in absolute terms, it is critical to recognize that any loss of vegetation in these regions affects the environmental and cultural sustainability of indigenous communities.

Deforestation in the Pantanal's indigenous areas has serious consequences. In addition to the loss of habitat for numerous species of fauna and flora, deforestation compromises essential natural resources for the subsistence of indigenous communities, such as hunting, fishing and gathering food and medicinal plants.

Data on accumulated deforestation in the Pantanal Conservation Units reveal a worrying loss of vegetation and a threat to the preservation of these fundamental areas for the conservation of biodiversity and the Pantanal ecosystems.

The Guirá State Park is the Conservation Unit most impacted by deforestation, with a deforested area of 17.80 km², which corresponds to about 92.79% of accumulated deforestation in the Pantanal Conservation Units.

In second place, we have the Fazenda Nhumirim Private Natural Heritage Reserve, with a deforested area of 0.42 km², representing approximately 2.20% of total deforestation. Although on a smaller scale, this loss of vegetation still compromises the ecological function of this protected area and the environmental services it provides.

Other Conservation Units were also affected by deforestation, such as the Baía Negra Environmental Protection Area, the Encontro das Águas State Park, the Poleiro Grande Private Natural Heritage Reserve, the Piraputangas Municipal Natural Heritage Reserve, the Estância Caiman Private Natural Heritage Reserve , among others. Although to a lesser extent, each deforested area in these Conservation Units represents a loss of habitat and biodiversity.

The Cerrado: A Biodiversity Reserve to be Preserved

The Cerrado, one of the five major biomes in Brazil, covers an extensive area of approximately 25% of the national territory. It extends over about 1.8 to 2 million square kilometers, covering several states, such as Goiás, Tocantins, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Federal District, Bahia, Maranhão, Piauí and parts of São Paulo. In addition, it is also possible to find small portions of cerrado in other states or in separate areas within other biomes, such as the Amazon Rainforest.

Considered the second largest plant formation in the country, right after the Amazon Forest, the Cerrado is characterized by great biological diversity. In addition, more than 40% of woody plant species and 50% of bees found in the Cerrado are endemic, that is, they are only found in this region.

The distribution and extension of the Cerrado are influenced by the predominant tropical climate in the region. Precipitation varies from 750 to 2000 mm per year, with an average rainfall between 1100 and 1600 mm per year in most parts of the biome. It has two distinct climatic seasons: the dry season, which lasts approximately five months (from May to October), and the rainy season, which occurs for the rest of the year (from October to May).

The Cerrado, in addition to its characteristic vegetation and terrestrial biodiversity, is also home to a variety of aquatic environments that are essential for the balance of the biome. Among these environments, we find springs, ephemeral lakes, marshes such as buritizais and paths, in addition to rivers and streams that form the main hydrographic basins in Brazil.

In the core of the Cerrado, the Domains of Paraná, Amazon and Eastern Brazil are located. The Paraná Domain encompasses the headwaters of the Paranaíba River, its tributaries on the left bank and some tributaries on the right bank, such as the São Marcos River. The East of Brazil Domain covers the sources of the São Francisco River, in the state of Minas Gerais, and tributaries on the left bank, such as the Paracatu River and the Urucuia River. The Amazon Domain covers the courses of the Upper and Middle Araguaia River and Tocantins River, in addition to the upper courses of some tributaries of the Xingu, Tapajós and Madeira rivers.

In addition, there are significant connections between the headwaters of the rivers that form the Tocantins, São Francisco and Parnaíba watersheds, forming areas known as “Aguas Emendadas”. These areas are located in the states of Goiás, Minas Gerais and the Federal District. These regions play a key role in regulating water flow, contributing to the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems and to the water supply of various regions of the country.

The Cerrado's aquatic environments are vital for wildlife and play a key role in maintaining the biome's biodiversity and ecological cycles. They provide habitats for a variety of aquatic species such as fish, amphibians, reptiles and waterfowl. In addition, these environments are crucial for the supply of water to the Cerrado vegetation and to the human communities that depend on the water resources of these regions.

However, like the rest of the Cerrado, aquatic environments face significant threats, including deforestation, water contamination, habitat fragmentation and dam construction. These human activities have negative impacts on water quality, aquatic biodiversity and the ecosystem services provided by these environments.

In the Cerrado biome, current statistics show a worrying situation regarding deforestation and loss of vegetation. Consolidated deforestation represents the highest proportion of outbreaks, totaling 101,502, which corresponds to 42.6% of the total. This means that a large extension of areas has already been converted to other uses, such as agriculture, livestock or urbanization.

The primary vegetation, which is the most preserved and natural form of the Cerrado, also suffered a high number of deforestation points, totaling 94,415, which represents 39.6% of the total. This data is alarming, as it indicates that even the most valuable and intact areas of the biome are being impacted by deforestation.

Recent deforestation, which are recently deforested areas, recorded 39,694 outbreaks, which is equivalent to 16.6% of the total. This suggests that the pressure on the Cerrado continues, with the conversion of new areas to different human activities.

Other categories, such as “others” and secondary vegetation, also showed a significant number of deforestation spots, with 1,929 and 952 spots, respectively. Although they represent a smaller percentage of the total, they are still worrying, as they indicate the continuous loss of natural areas and the reduction of diversity and quality of the Cerrado ecosystems.

The numbers show that Tocantins and Goiás lead the accumulated deforestation in the Cerrado, with deforested areas of 48,293.33 km² and 48,229.04 km², respectively. These values represent 16.08% and 16.06% of the total deforested, highlighting the pressure on these states in particular.

Other states also record significant levels of accumulated deforestation, such as Maranhão and Mato Grosso, with 45,595.89 km² and 45,167.64 km² deforested, corresponding to 15,18% and 15,04%, respectively. Minas Gerais and Bahia are also among the most affected states, with 41,409.34 km² and 24,984.72 km² deforested, representing 13,79% and 8,32% of the total, respectively.

These numbers are worrying, as they indicate a considerable loss of natural areas in the Cerrado, which has significant consequences for biodiversity, water resources and the ecological balance of the region. Deforestation in these areas compromises the survival of unique plant and animal species, as well as contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases and the loss of vital ecosystem services.

The Cerrado biome covers a vast territorial extension in the Brazilian states, and conservation units play a crucial role in the preservation of this important ecosystem. However, the most recent statistical data reveal an alarming picture regarding the accumulated deforestation in these protected areas.

Among the Cerrado conservation units, the state of Tocantins registered the highest increase in accumulated deforestation, with a deforested area of 48,293.33 km², representing 16,08% of the total deforested. Next, we have Goiás, with 48,229.04 km² deforested (16,06%), and Maranhão, with 45,595.89 km² deforested (15,18%). These numbers reveal the magnitude of the challenge faced in protecting the Cerrado in these regions.

Other states with high rates of accumulated deforestation are Mato Grosso, with 45,167.64 km² deforested (15,04%), and Minas Gerais, with 41,409.34 km² deforested (13,79%). These numbers reflect the constant pressure on conservation areas in these states, putting the Cerrado's biodiversity and natural resources at risk.

With regard to specific conservation units, the Ilha do Bananal/Cantão Environmental Protection Area is the one with the highest increase in accumulated deforestation, covering an area of 4,767.84 km², which represents 26.30% of total deforestation in the units of Cerrado conservation. In second place, we have the Environmental Protection Area of Rio Preto, with 2,466.60 km² deforested (13,60%).

Other conservation units also suffer from accumulated deforestation, such as the Environmental Protection Area of Upaon-Açu/Miritiba/Alto Preguiças, with 1,093.13 km² deforested (6,03%), and the Environmental Protection Area of the Rio de Janeiro Basin , with 997.05 km² deforested (5.50%). These numbers show the urgency of effective actions to stop deforestation in these protected areas and guarantee the conservation of the Cerrado.

Lungs of the Planet: The Vital Role of the Amazon Rainforest

 The Amazon Rainforest is the most famous and extensive biome in Brazil, covering almost half of its territory. Furthermore, this lush forest extends into parts of other neighboring countries, forming a unique and diverse ecosystem. Its natural richness has attracted researchers from all over the world over the centuries, interested in discovering its secrets and preserving its magnificence.

The Amazon encompasses nine Brazilian states – Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, Mato Grosso and Maranhão, a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity. With its impressive 5 million square kilometers, it is the largest biome in Brazil and is home to an unparalleled wealth of wildlife and lush vegetation.

In addition to its impressive biodiversity and climate function, the Amazon Rainforest is also a home to millions of people, including indigenous communities. This region is home to the largest indigenous population in the country and has important cities such as Belém and Manaus.

In the heart of the Amazon, we find a population of around 433,000 indigenous people, whose cultures and traditions are intrinsically linked to this vast forest. Their lives and ancestral knowledge are fundamental for the preservation of this unique ecosystem.

The diversity of plants in the Amazon is simply breathtaking. With approximately 30,000 cataloged plant species, including majestic trees, colorful flowers and valuable medicinal plants, the Amazon rainforest is a true botanical paradise.

The fauna is also extraordinary. With an estimated 30 million animal species, the fauna of the Amazon is truly impressive. The region is home to 311 species of mammals, such as the jaguar, the pink dolphin and the sloth, which play crucial roles in the local ecology. In addition, there are more than 1,300 species of birds, such as the blue macaw, the toucan and the parrot, which fill the Amazonian skies with their colors and melodious songs. But most of the Amazonian fauna is made up of insects, such as beetles, moths, ants and wasps, which play key roles in local ecosystems.

Reptiles also play an important role in the Amazon ecosystem, with 350 different species including alligators, turtles and snakes. Amphibians are also abundant, with 163 species of frogs, toads and tree frogs contributing to the region's complex web of life.

Despite all this diversity, the Amazon faces significant threats. About 152 plant species and 24 animal species are currently threatened with extinction.

In the Amazonian rivers, we find an impressive aquatic richness, with approximately 1,800 species of fish. These rivers are vital habitats for many species, including the Amazonian manatee.

The plant diversity of the Amazon Rainforest is equally spectacular. Divided into three main categories, the upland, floodplain and igapó forests – they are home to giant trees such as the chestnut tree and kapok, considered the “queen of the forest”. In lower and periodically flooded areas, lower vegetation appears, such as bushes, vines, mosses and the memorable water lily. Orchids and bromeliads also embellish the landscape, providing a spectacle of colors and shapes.

Although the Amazon Forest has already been called the “lungs of the world”, studies show that oxygen production is balanced by the forest's own consumption of carbon dioxide. However, its importance for climate regulation is unquestionable. The forest stores approximately one-fifth of the planet's fresh water and plays a crucial role in cloud formation and rainfall distribution, directly influencing the climate in South America.

The soil of the Amazon rainforest is generally very sandy. It has a thin layer of nutrients that is formed from the decomposition of leaves, fruits and dead animals. This layer is rich in humus, very important organic matter for some plant species in the region. In deforested areas, heavy rains "wash" the soil, carrying away its nutrients. It is the so-called leaching process, which leaves the Amazonian soils even poorer. Only 14% of the entire territory can be considered fertile for agriculture.

Unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest faces major threats, such as deforestation and fires. Logging and agricultural expansion, mainly for cattle raising, have caused the loss of vast areas of forest and the extinction of several species.

Statistical data for 2023 point to deforestation in the Legal Amazon, highlighting the extent of the problem in each state in the region. These statistics provide a clear view of the most affected areas and make it possible to understand the severity of deforestation and its impacts on the forest and biodiversity.

The state of Pará leads the ranking with a deforested area of 49,561.45 km², representing 41,13% of the total deforested in the Legal Amazon. These impressive numbers highlight the urgency of action to combat deforestation in this region. Massive deforestation in Pará poses a significant threat to the rainforest and its natural resources.

In second place, we have Mato Grosso, with 22,577.88 km² deforested, which corresponds to 18,73% of the total. This state, known for its agricultural activity, faces challenges related to the expansion of crop and pasture areas, which result in habitat loss and forest fragmentation.

Rondônia, occupying third place, registers a deforestation of 15,576.31 km² (12,92% of the total). This state has historically been affected by deforestation due to activities such as logging and land conversion for agricultural purposes. Deforestation in Rondônia highlights the need for effective measures to contain this destruction.

Amazonas, with a deforested area of 15,453.60 km² (12,82%), occupies the fourth position in this sad ranking. Considered the largest state in the Legal Amazon, deforestation in this region has significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by the forest, such as climate regulation and maintenance of water resources.

The other states also present worrying numbers. Acre registers 6,356.45 km² (5.27%); Maranhão, 6,175.60 km² (5,12%); Roraima, 3,657.82 km² (3,04%); Tocantins, 694.58 km² (0.58%); and Amapá, 460.09 km² (0.38%). While deforested areas can vary in extent, they all contribute to biodiversity loss, climate change and other negative impacts.

According to data on deforestation – at the level of municipalities – we have at the Altamira end, with a deforested area of 6,127.36 km², representing a significant portion of the total deforested in the Legal Amazon. This municipality, located in the state of Pará, faces significant challenges in terms of deforestation due to activities such as expanding agriculture and building infrastructure.

Next is São Félix do Xingu, also located in Pará, with a deforested area of 5,522.99 km². This municipality has historically been impacted by deforestation due to logging, expansion of agriculture and extensive livestock.

Porto Velho, capital of Rondônia, ranks third, with a deforested area of 4,833.14 km². The strategic location of this municipality, close to border areas and important transport routes, contributes to the pressure on the rainforest.

Lábrea, located in the state of Amazonas, has a deforested area of 3,701.31 km², ranking fourth on the list. This municipality faces challenges related to illegal logging, land grabbing and unsustainable agricultural activities.

In fifth place, we have Novo Progresso, in Pará, with a deforested area of 2,814.46 km². This municipality also suffers from the advance of agriculture and the opening of new areas for cultivation and pasture.

The other municipalities also present worrying numbers in relation to deforestation, including Colniza, Novo Repartimento, Apuí, Pacajá, Itaituba, Portel, Nova Mamoré and Novo Aripuanã.

Regarding the deforestation that occurred in indigenous lands in the Legal Amazon, Apyterewa is the most affected indigenous land, with a deforested area of 455.83 km², representing 11,45% of the total deforested in indigenous lands in the region. The destruction in this indigenous land, located in Pará, is worrying, as it directly affects the lives and livelihoods of the communities that live there.

Cachoeira Seca ranks second, with a deforested area of 418.05 km², corresponding to 10,50% of deforestation in indigenous lands. This indigenous land, also located in Pará, faces serious challenges related to the invasion of illegal loggers and the advance of agriculture.

Ituna/Itatá, located in Pará, has usage restrictions due to the presence of isolated indigenous groups. The FUNAI (National Indian Foundation) Ordinance prohibited the permanence and entry of people who are not part of Funai's staff and people who are not indigenous. Those that do not fit into this group can be considered invasive, which requires even greater protection to ensure their preservation. It has a deforested area of 238.24 km², representing 5,98% of total deforestation.

Other indigenous lands affected by deforestation include Maraiwatsede, Trincheira Bacaja, Yanomami, Awa, Kayapó, Alto Rio Guamá, Parque do Xingu, Munduruku, Alto Turiaçu and Bacurizinho. All these indigenous lands face pressures arising from the illegal exploitation of natural resources, land grabbing and invasions.

There was also deforestation in some of the Conservation Units (UCs) in the Legal Amazon, highlighting the most affected areas.

The Triunfo do Xingu Environmental Protection Area is the most affected UC, with an accumulated increase in deforestation of 4,069.92 km², representing 35,00% of the total deforested in the UCs. This data is alarming, as this area is crucial for the protection of flora, fauna and natural resources present in the region.

The Jamanxim National Forest occupies the second position, with an accumulated deforestation of 1,134.62 km², corresponding to 9,76% of the total. This PA is known for its rich biodiversity and for harboring endangered species, which highlights the urgency of strengthening its protection.

The Jaci-Paraná Extractive Reserve is in third place, with an accumulated increase in deforestation of 1,075.78 km², representing 9,25% of total deforestation. This CU plays an important role in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources by traditional communities living in the region.

Other PAs affected by deforestation include the Tapajós Environmental Protection Area, the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, the Altamira National Forest, the Lago de Tucuruí Environmental Protection Area, the Guajará-Mirim State Park, the Terra do Meio Ecological Station , the Baixada Maranhense Environmental Protection Area, the Upaon-Açu / Miritiba / Alto Preguiças Environmental Protection Area, the Gurupi Biological Reserve and the Nascentes Serra do Cachimbo Biological Reserve.

Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation in the Midwest of Brazil

The Midwest region of Brazil is home to a rich biodiversity, with varied ecosystems ranging from the Pantanal to the Cerrado. These biomes are extremely important not only for the region, but also for the entire country and for the balance of the planet. However, this biodiversity is facing significant threats and therefore the implementation of conservation measures is urgent and necessary.

The Cerrado, considered the richest savannah in the world, is home to a great diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else. However, this biome is constantly being degraded due to the expansion of agriculture, livestock and disorderly urbanization. The conversion of Cerrado areas to agricultural land or pasture is resulting in the loss of natural habitats and consequent decline in biodiversity.

The Pantanal, in turn, is one of the most important and exuberant ecosystems in the world, known for its richness of species of plants, birds, fish and mammals. However, this biome also faces significant threats, especially due to deforestation, forest fires and river pollution. These problems are compounded by climate change, which affects rainfall and increases the risk of extreme droughts and floods.

One of the main initiatives of the Department of Ecosystems of the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) for the Pantanal is the Terrestrial GEF Project, which aims to develop conservation, restoration and management strategies for biodiversity not only in the Pantanal, but also in the Caatinga and Pampa . This project, coordinated by the MMA, was implemented in May 2018 and has the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), being executed by the Brazilian Fund for Biodiversity (FUNBIO). Its expected completion date is May 2023.

However, even with this initiative in progress, the richness of the Pantanal continues to be threatened. Data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reveal an alarming increase of 200% in fires in the region between 2019 and 2020. In 2021, the data indicate 90.68% of deforested area and in 2022, it decreased to 78.94%, however, still worrying . The Environmental Satellite Applications Laboratory (LASA) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) found that the fires devastated approximately 29% of the biome's territory.

Created in 2015, in Patrocínio – MG, the Cerrado das Águas Consortium aims to combine efforts to implement strategies that guarantee the provision of ecosystem services in order to achieve a productive system that is resilient to climate change. The strategies presented were regenerative coffee growing, which is based on the action of the soil covered at all times, diversity in the landscape, biological control and the use of macro and microbiologicals. It is important to point out that although there was a decrease in the deforested area from 2021 to 2022, the data still expressly point to a difference from 26.75% – 2021 – to 26.51%, 2022.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, Environmental Preservation Units of Santa Luzia and Eldorado, headquartered in Nova Alvorada do Sul and Rio Brilhante, respectively, are responsible for donating plants native to the Cerrado. This year, the two plants delivered around 500 seedlings and 100 bags of seeds to local communities at important events such as Expocanas, in Nova Alvorada do Sul, and the 1st Ecological Fair in Deodápolis. In addition to the residents, the municipal nurseries were also awarded eight tons of filter cake, an organic compound from the sugarcane milling process that has important properties in fertilizing vegetation.

During the week of Tree Day, teams from the Environmental area at the plants scheduled lectures on the importance of environmental preservation for 5,800 elementary and high school students from 11 schools in Nova Alvorada do Sul and Deodápolis.

At the Goiás Hub, the Rio Claro, Morro Vermelho and Água Emendada units, located in Caçu, Mineiros and Perolândia, respectively, planted and donated 2,600 seedlings to reinforce nurseries and recover springs. Many species native to the cerrado were directed to non-governmental organizations that promote the conservation of endangered animal species, such as the jaguar.

Brazil has adopted a series of measures and programs to protect and preserve the environment, especially in the Amazon region. Some of these actions stand out as important strategies for combating illegal deforestation, valuing nature conservation and promoting environmental sustainability.

One of these initiatives is Operation Verde Brasil 2, launched in May 2022. This operation aims to combat environmental crimes, fires and deforestation in the Legal Amazon. It has the participation of institutions such as the Federal Police, the Federal Highway Police, Ibama, ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation), among other environmental control and public safety bodies.

The Floresta + Program is another relevant action, aimed at valuing and compensating those who preserve and take care of the Brazilian native forest. Using resources from the Green Climate Fund, the program remunerates activities for the protection, conservation and recovery of nature in the Legal Amazon. In this way, several land categories are contemplated, from private and permanent preservation areas to settlements, indigenous lands and conservation units.

In addition, Brazil seeks to stand out in the carbon credits market through the Floresta + Carbono program. This program aims to generate carbon credits from the conservation and recovery of native vegetation. Companies that fail to reduce their carbon emissions can offset them by investing in projects for the preservation and recovery of native forests.

In order to combat illegal deforestation, the Federal Government created the Executive Commission for the Control of Illegal Deforestation in 2022. This commission is responsible for proposing plans and guidelines to prevent and control illegal deforestation, in addition to coordinating the implementation of the National Policy for the Recovery of Native vegetation.

The National System for the Control of the Origin of Forest Products (Sinaflor +) was launched in 2022 to strengthen the control and fight against illegal deforestation in the Amazon. This initiative makes it possible to track the origin of the wood, bringing more security to the timber industry and helping to prevent fraud.

The Adapta Brasil platform, developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), brings together indicators and impacts of climate change in Brazil. This tool assists the public sector in adopting protective measures and preparing public policies to adapt to climate change.

Under this premise, the Oakpar Foundation develops the Biomes do Brasil Program, whose mission is to combat climate change and its impacts, promoting the preservation of the environment and mitigating the effects of global warming caused by human actions.

Its main objective is to disseminate the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biodiversity, promoting the conservation of the remaining natural resources and areas of great importance to humanity.

It seeks to reinforce resilience and adaptability to climate risks and natural disasters, in addition to promoting socio-environmental awareness and the defense and conservation of natural resources threatened by activities such as real estate speculation, fires, mineral extraction and predatory exploitation of fauna and flora.

Discover the Biomes of Brazil Program

The Biomas do Brasil Program will be implemented in preserved and/or impacted areas, with biological relevance and natural landscape value, in the six Brazilian biomes: Amazon Forest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, Pampa and Caatinga. Its focus is on creating and maintaining full protection and sustainable use conservation units, especially environmental parks in the form of Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs). These areas will have improvements and structures for conservation and public visitation, such as botanical spaces with handcrafted items and seedlings of Brazilian flora species, and arboretums with nurseries, orchid gardens, herbaria, butterfly gardens, trees, shrubs and ornamental, medicinal, edible and herbaceous plants. . Therefore, preserving Brazil's biomes is to protect the essence of life in all its forms, ensuring a sustainable future for present and future generations.