The world’s largest wetland, Pantanal, threaten by waterway plans

A controversial waterway project in Brazil could devastate the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, endangering its rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.

Harriet Barber reports for The Guardian.

In short:

• The Hidrovia Paraguay-Paraná project plans to dredge and develop the Paraguay River to facilitate grain export, risking severe environmental damage.
• Scientists warn the project could destroy habitats, decrease fish populations and increase greenhouse gas emissions.
• Local communities fear the waterway will end their traditional livelihoods of fishing and farming.

Key quote:

“It seems a high price to pay: destroying the Pantanal, one of the world’s unique systems, to reduce the price of grain. It is a war – a war which risks extinction.”

— Carolina Joana da Silva, professor at Mato Grosso State University.

Why this matters:

The Pantanal is a critical refuge for endangered species and a significant carbon sink. Its destruction could have global environmental consequences.

Related: Amazon rainforest at risk of significant transformation by mid-century, study indicates