The Brazilian government is allowing a waterway project to proceed in the
middle of the largest tropical wetland in the world.
The consequences of this project are dire for our environment,
biodiversity, and local communities, and it's a stark contradiction to
Brazil’s global leadership in environmental protection.
We have to stop this. Act NOW.
[ [link removed] ]Photography of a jaguar swimming with its head outside the water
starring the photographer and there is Patanal native vegetation behind
the animal
[ [link removed] ] Sign the petition
John,
A massive industrial waterway threatens the heart of the Pantanal, the
world’s largest tropical wetland. According to experts, the project could
cause a shrinkage, increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and
disrupt the ecosystem beyond repair.
This biome, which predominantly lies in Brazil but also extends to Bolivia
and Paraguay, is home to over 4,700 species, many of which are endangered
– and this project can drastically change the natural flood cycles that
sustain its rich biodiversity.
But ports are already being licensed along the river, and a contract
signed during Lula’s administration opens the way for dredging.
According to President Lula, the environmental emergency is already a
reality in the country. And next year, Brazil will host the United Nations
Climate Change Conference… it’s time for the country to lead by example.
[ [link removed] ]Brazilian government: protect the Pantanal. Stop this waterway!
The long-term viability of the waterway and its alleged economic benefits
are put on trial against the wetland’s critical role as a carbon sink in
the fight against climate change. And that’s not all. Far from providing
reliable transport, the project may destroy the very landscape that makes
river navigation possible.
Indigenous and local communities that rely on the Pantanal for their
livelihoods oppose the project. They understand that this development
would not only harm their environment but also threaten their way of life.
To protect Brazil’s natural heritage is to protect its people.
Brazil has a critical role to play on the global stage as a leader in
biodiversity protection and climate action. Moving ahead with the waterway
would tarnish that reputation and undermine its commitment to
sustainability.
[ [link removed] ]Brazilian government: cancel this project and safeguard the Pantanal
for future generations.
In Costa Rica, under pressure from partners and the strong support of the
Ekō community, we were able to force the government to ban a toxic
pesticide that has been polluting the water and poisoning Costa Ricans for
years. Together, we’ve moved companies and governments, and we can do it
again! Act now.
[ [link removed] ] Sign the petition
Thanks for all that you do,
Vanessa and the team at Ekō
More information:
[ [link removed] ]Pantanal waterway project would destroy a ‘paradise on Earth’,
scientists warn
The Guardian 12 August 2024
[ [link removed] ]Resolution to halt the Hidrovia, a planned waterway that puts the
world's largest wetland, Pantanal, in danger
Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation 01 February 2024
[ [link removed] ]Projected Pantanal waterway threatens protected areas, may render
navigation impossible
Mongabay 15 March 2024
Ekō is a worldwide movement of people like you, working together to hold corporations accountable for their actions and forge a new, sustainable path for our global economy.
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