Pantanal

Let's protect the world’s largest tropical wetland while we still have time   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. [Photography of a jaguar swimming with its head outside the water starring the photographer and there is Patanal native vegetation behind the animal]( [ Sign the petitionÂ]( {NAME}, 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. [Brazilian government: protect the Pantanal. Stop this waterway!]( 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. [Brazilian government: cancel this project and safeguard the Pantanal for future generations.]( 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. [ Sign the petitionÂ]( Thanks for all that you do, Vanessa and the team at Ekō More information: [Pantanal waterway project would destroy a ‘paradise on Earth’, scientists warn]( The Guardian 12 August 2024 [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 [Projected Pantanal waterway threatens protected areas, may render navigation impossible]( Mongabay 15 March 2024     --------------------------------------------------------------- Ekō is a community of people from around the world committed to curbing the growing power of corporations. We want to buy from, work for and invest in companies that respect the environment, treat their workers well and respect democracy. And we’re not afraid to stand up to them when they don’t. Please help keep Ekō strong by chipping in $3 [Chip in $3]( This email was sent to {EMAIL}. | [Unsubscribe](   --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Us On Social Media [Facebok]( [Instagram]( [Youtube](Eko.Movement) [Twitter]( [TikTok](eko.movement) [Telegram](