The Government of Mato Grosso do Sul has invested approximately R$ 6.1 million through the PSA Bioma Pantanal program, an initiative focused on native vegetation conservation, wildlife protection, ecological restoration, and strengthening traditional communities in the biome.
The program is structured into two sub-programs: PSA Conservation (Conservation and Valorization of Biodiversity) and PSA Brigades (Prevention and Combat of Forest Fires).
The funds were allocated to 13 projects developed by seven non-governmental organizations, which work with integrated sustainable development actions in the Pantanal.
Supported projects strengthen conservation and fire prevention
Among the institutions supported is the Pantanal Man Institute (IHP), which received R$ 1.4 million to execute three projects in the Serra do Amolar region.
The initiatives involve technical animal rescue, integrated communication, maintenance and expansion of the Pantera System, in addition to strengthening the Alto Pantanal Brigade, responsible for preventing forest fires.
Sub-programs and new calls for proposals
The current contracts for PSA Brigades and PSA Conservation remain valid until December 2026, with new calls for proposals expected to be launched in 2027.
The PSA Brigades sub-program offers financial support for projects developed by traditional communities, civil society organizations, volunteer or private brigades, and rural properties with actions for prevention, initial fire combat, and wildlife rescue.
In the first call for proposals, 28 applications were registered, with 17 projects presenting proposals of up to R$ 500,000, and 13 projects being selected.
Projects distributed across various Pantanal regions
The approved initiatives are located in various areas of the Mato Grosso do Sul Pantanal, including:
- Nhecolândia
- Nabileque
- Serra do Amolar
- Porto Esperança
- Porto Rolon
- Curva do Leque
- Salobra
In addition to IHP, organizations such as SOS Pantanal, Funar (Educational Foundation for Rural Development), UCDB (Dom Bosco Catholic University), Tamanduá Institute, Institute for the Conservation of Wild Animals (ICAS), and Onçafari Association also participate in the program.
Preservation of 126,000 hectares in the Pantanal
In December last year, the State Government consolidated the preservation of 126,000 hectares in the Pantanal, with resources from the Pantanal Climate Fund.
The initiative provides payment for environmental services to rural producers who maintain native vegetation areas preserved beyond the minimum required by law.
In the first public call for PSA Conservation, 71 rural property applications were registered. After technical analysis, 45 properties were classified based on the Environmental Services Index (ISA), which evaluates criteria such as vegetation conservation, habitat connectivity, and environmental relevance of the areas.
New call for climate projects in the Pantanal
The second call for PSA Conservation was recently published and foresees the selection of new projects aimed at mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with a focus on protecting the Mato Grosso do Sul Pantanal.
