Lessons to be Learned from the Wildfire Catastrophe of 2020 in the Pantanal Wetland

Abstract

South America’s Pantanal is recognized as one of the largest wetlands in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological significance (high biodiversity). The region experiences both seasonal wet/dry periods and pluriannual cycles of wet and dry years. Vegetation changes throughout the year as well as over the long-term with fires and floods being the major factors affecting vegetation patterns. In 2020 the Pantanal experienced an extraordinary high numbers of wildfires. An overview of the region’s fire history is presented along with information on the 2020 wildfires, society’s response, lessons learned, and suggestions on where to go from here.