The Pantanal, one of the largest inland wetlands in the world, is experiencing the highest number of forest fires in the first half of the year since records began.
There were 3,538 fire outbreaks in the first six months of this year - in 2020, which is considered the year with the worst fire season in the biome, there were 2,534 outbreaks in the same period, according to the Brazilian space institute Inpe.
This is a record figure since records began in 1999. In June alone there were 2,639 fires, while the average for this period is 154.
The wetland, which extends from Brazil to the neighbouring countries of Bolivia and Paraguay, consists of an intricate system of rivers and lakes and is a unique natural and tourist paradise.
It is unusual that there are already so many forest fires in the region in June, as the forest fire season traditionally only starts between the end of July and the beginning of August, the driest time of the winter.
According to experts, however, this period has been brought forward due to the prolonged drought in this biome. The scenario could be even more devastating than that of 2020.
"The Pantanal is facing the worst drought in 70 years, exacerbated by climate change and one of the strongest El Niños in history," the Ministry of the Environment announced on Sunday. According to the environmental authority Ibama, some areas of the Pantanal could suffer irreversible damage.
"After disasters like this, nature returns in many areas. But in some places the loss is considerable. In some places, it could even be irreversible. We are very shocked that the Pantanal has not experienced a flooding season for the sixth year in a row," Ibama President Rodrigo Agostinho told the news portal G1.
According to the report, around 700,000 hectares have been burnt this year - that's almost 5% of the entire biome.
On Friday, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) deployed the largest aircraft manufactured in Latin America to fight the fire in the Pantanal for the first time. The navy, soldiers and fire brigade are also fighting the flames.
The Pantanal is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet and is home to rare species. Jaguars, tapirs and hyacinth macaws live there. Cattle farming is the main economic activity in the area. Farmers traditionally burn forest areas to create new grazing land. If these fires get out of control, huge wildfires can occur.
