The Government of Mato Grosso do Sul announced the extension of the registration deadline for the Environmental Services Payment Program (PSA) for the Pantanal Biome, an initiative that remunerates rural landowners for conserving native vegetation. The new deadline is now April 30, 2026, extending the period initially set until April 6.
The decision was formalized in a publication in this Monday's (6) Official Gazette and aims to increase participation in the program, considered strategic for the preservation of one of the planet's most important biomes.
What is the Pantanal preservation program?
The PSA Pantanal is a public policy that financially rewards rural producers who maintain preserved areas beyond the minimum required by law. The initiative is coordinated by the Secretariat of Environment, Development, Science, Technology, and Innovation (Semadesc) and uses resources from the Pantanal Climate Fund.
The program is part of a larger set of environmental actions in the State, aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change and conserving biodiversity, especially in a scenario of increasing wildfires and extreme events in the biome.
Who can participate?
Owners of areas located totally or partially in the Pantanal sul-mato-grossense can register. To participate, it is necessary to present:
Personal documents
Negative certificates
Proof of registration in the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR)
The government estimates that about 3,500 properties are eligible to participate in the program in the region.
How much does the program pay?
The amounts paid vary according to the type of environmental commitment undertaken:
R$ 55.47 per hectare per year for areas preserved beyond what is required by law
Limit of up to R$ 100,000 per property or R$ 300,000 per economic group
Fixed incentives for those who forgo authorized deforestation:
up to 30 hectares: R$ 15,000
from 31 to 100 hectares: R$ 30,000
above 100 hectares: proportional additional amount
Investment and environmental impactThe program was launched with an initial investment of approximately R$ 30 million, within the guidelines of the so-called Pantanal Law.
The proposal is to encourage voluntary conservation and create a sustainable source of income for rural producers, aligning agricultural production with environmental protection. The initiative also strengthens the state's role in climate finance policies, which include mechanisms to encourage preservation and a low-carbon economy.
Strategic importance for the PantanalConsidered the world's largest continental wetland system, the Pantanal faces growing challenges, such as prolonged droughts and forest fires. In this context, environmental services payment programs are seen as essential tools to:
Reduce deforestation
Stimulate sustainable practices
Preserve biodiversity
Ensure income for rural producers
New deadline expands opportunities
With the extension until the end of April, the government hopes to increase participation in the program and expand the protected area in the biome. The measure also allows producers who missed the initial deadline to have another chance to participate in the initiative.
