"Partnership for the Preservation of the Pantanal: MMA and MS Join Forces"

"Partnership for the Preservation of the Pantanal: MMA and MS Join Forces"

The Brazilian Ministry of Environment (MMA) and the governor of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Eduardo Riedel, have signed a joint ordinance to establish a working group for the protection and sustainable use of the Pantanal. This partnership aims to develop a draft state law for the conservation and sustainable use of the Pantanal, implement actions to prevent and control deforestation in the biome, and promote information sharing for monitoring and control. The collaboration between the MMA and MS government, as well as other stakeholders, highlights the importance of integrated efforts in protecting and preserving the Pantanal.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Marina Silva emphasized that protecting the Pantanal and the Amazon requires more than just command and control actions. She emphasized the need for collaboration among federal, state, and municipal governments, private sectors, and different segments of society. This integrated approach is crucial for the success of conservation efforts in these important biomes.

Simone Tebet, the Minister of Planning and Budget, added that the partnership between the MMA and MS could serve as a reference for future initiatives, potentially attracting international financing for sustainable development and preservation. The Pantanal, known as the world's largest wetland, plays a vital role in connecting the Amazon and the Cerrado biomes.

However, the Pantanal has been facing increasing deforestation. From 2016 to 2022, deforestation in the southern part of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul increased by 25.4% compared to the previous six years. The implementation of a state decree in 2015, which allowed restricted use of land in the Pantanal, coincided with this rise in deforestation. The MMA conducted a technical study and found that the criteria used by Mato Grosso do Sul for authorizing the clearing of native vegetation did not comply with the Forest Code. The MMA recommended the regulation of this article, as well as the conservation and sustainable use of the Pantanal, and measures to suspend the effects of the state regulations.

In response to this situation, the MS government approached the MMA to find a joint solution. Governor Riedel emphasized the importance of leading by example and taking proactive actions to address relevant issues. In August, the governor suspended licenses and authorizations for vegetation clearance in the region. In return, the MMA committed not to discuss the issue at the National Environmental Council (Conama) until federal and state governments reach joint solutions for the protection of the biome and the implementation of federal legislation.

This partnership is seen as a productive integration that respects the federal pact, showcasing how collaboration between different levels of government can yield positive results. The working group, led by the MMA's Extraordinary Secretariat for Deforestation Control and Environmental Territorial Planning, will have a duration of 60 days, with biweekly meetings.

In another development, the president of the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), Rodrigo Agostinho, has renewed the License to Operate (LO) for the Petrobras company to drill in the Potiguar Basin. This marks the 21st license granted since 2004 for drilling activities in the Equatorial Margin region.

The LO 1658/2023, which is valid for two years, authorizes the drilling of two wells in the BM-POT-17 and POT-M-762 blocks. The license was renewed due to the exclusion of one block (BM-POT-16) and the inclusion of another (POT-M-762). The activities are expected to begin in November after the completion of the cleaning of the sonda NS-42's hull to prevent the spread of the invasive species coral-sol.

The authorization for drilling in the Potiguar Basin was granted following the completion and approval of a Pre-Operational Assessment (APO), an additional procedure to ensure the effectiveness of the company's Individual Emergency Plan. The APO analyzed the emergency response measures of the licensed company in marine and coastal areas, including the protection of fauna in protected areas. The Ibama confirmed that the Individual Emergency Plan and Fauna Protection Plan were executed as presented by Petrobras during the licensing process.

However, the Ibama also identified the need for adjustments and improvements in the Individual Emergency Plan, particularly in relation to the protection of manatees and wildlife rescue operations. These points were discussed with Petrobras during a meeting to present the APO findings. The Pre-Operational Assessment involved a team of 14 Ibama employees in observation points in Ceará and Rio de Janeiro states.

In conclusion, the partnerships between the MMA and MS for the preservation of the Pantanal and the renewal of the license for Petrobras in the Potiguar Basin highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in environmental protection. To further enhance these efforts, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Strengthen international collaborations: The partnership between the MMA and MS can serve as a model for future initiatives, attracting international financing and expertise in sustainable development and preservation.

2. Improve monitoring and control measures: Enhancing information-sharing systems and monitoring technologies can help prevent and control deforestation in the Pantanal and protect sensitive areas during drilling activities in the Potiguar Basin.

3. Enhance emergency response plans and wildlife protection measures: Petrobras and other companies operating in environmentally sensitive areas should continuously improve their emergency response plans and wildlife protection measures to ensure the effective conservation of biodiversity.

By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can work together to protect and preserve these valuable ecosystems for future generations.