The interface between agriculture and ecology in the Pantanal:
a delicate balance
|
 |
Written by: Molly
Murphy, John Pritchett, Justin Cavitt, Wagner Ioshida |
|
| The Pantanal, an alluvial
plain in southwestern Brazil bordered by the countries of Bolivia and
Paraguay, is the home to a plant and animal community
paralleled in its richness and diversity only by the African savannah.
The region is also home to an extensive cattle herd, numbering approximately
3 million head. Pantanerios (people native to the Pantanal) have been grazing
cattle in this region for generations, with the help of a breed of horse
specially
bred
for the purpose of moving cattle long distances through the often boggy,
flooded terrain. |
 |
 |
| Cattle agriculture is one of the main economic activities
in the Pantanal. Cattle are often herded very long distances as they
move to non-flooded areas. |
 |
 |
| Fishing
is another major economic activity in the Pantanal. The rivers
contain abundant fish and the environment must be protected to
ensure continuing survival and high yields. |
|
 |
Nilson de Barros, demonstrates a piranha from the Rio Paraguai. |
|
| The Pantanal is teeming with wildlife and boasts a wide variety of unique
species. The area is a popular destination for eco-tourism. Every corner
represents a photo opportunity and a postcard scene. |
 |
 |
| Giant Queen Victoria
water lilies |
Jabiru, stork native to the Pantanel |
 |
 |
| Capybaras are abundant in the region. |
Rivers team
with jacarés (cayman). |
|
| Although the Pantaneiros live in harmony with the ecosystem of the Pantanal,
the need for economic development is clear. However, the generation of
the resources necessary to bring basic services such as schooling and medical
care to the people on the rural fazendas (farms) also brings the potential
of ecological damage to the region. Development around the perimeter of
the Pantanal has already begun to change the character of the
land. |
| The Pantanal occupies a geological basin, which is a part of the course
of the Rio Paraguai, and lends itself to the collection of runoff waters
from surrounding areas. The cyclical flooding and recession of the waters
concentrates not only diverse fauna, but also potentially harmful chemicals
generated in farming and mining pursuits. Agriculture has changed the course
of rivers feeding into the Pantanal; the long-term effects of these diversions
(such as erosion) have yet to be determined. |
Humans have been a part of the Pantanal ecosystem for many generations,
and are reliant upon its abundance for their livelihoods. The Pantaneiro
recognizes that the health of the ecosystem is crucial for the maintenance
of his livestock, and his way of life. However, the voice of this rural
minority may be in direct conflict with governmental and corporate interests.
Decisions pertaining to development in the Pantanal will need to be made
very carefully, with consideration of the needs of both humans, and the
ecosystem upon which
they thrive.
top |
menu |
| |