EP - The Pantanal Pact and EU Wetland Partnership
The Pantanal Pact and EU Wetland Partnership
Greening the Global Gateway on the Road to Belém
Date: Monday, June 23 · 5:30 - 7:30pm CEST
Location: European Parliament, ASP 1G369
This event will be in English
The event, hosted by MEP Annalisa Corrado (S&D Group), will examine how the Global Gateway strategy can reinforce conservation and restoration initiatives through investments in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. It will also explore opportunities for sustainable value chains, ecotourism, and bioeconomy initiatives that benefit local communities and foster inclusive development.
As part of the 2025 Amazon Week organized by the Brazilian Mission, Wetlands International Europe aims to highlight the critical role of wetlands in advancing sustainable development and environmental conservation ahead of COP30 in Belém.
This session will spotlight the Pantanal—the world’s largest tropical wetland—as a pilot case to advocate for a flagship wetland initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The aim is to foster sustainable and inclusive development through collaboration between the EU, Brazil, local communities, businesses, and international financial institutions.
COP30 in Brazil could mark the launch of the first Wetland Partnership with the EU, a technical and financial cooperation agreement focused on protecting and restoring the Pantanal and other wetlands like the Araguaia and the Amazon peatlands.
Focusing on the Pantanal as a pilot case is meant to inspire collaborative action and innovative solutions applicable to wetland ecosystems worldwide.
Background & Rationale
The Amazon Basin and the Pantanal biome are essential for global biodiversity, climate stability, and community resilience. These interconnected ecosystems rely on atmospheric moisture exchange—the "flying rivers"—to sustain seasonal flooding and biodiversity.
Yet, deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable practices threaten their integrity. Conservation efforts are now supported by actors promoting sustainable solutions that balance environmental protection and economic growth.
The Pantanal spans 170,000 km² across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay and supports over 4,700 species. Its ecosystem services, including flood control and carbon capture, are valued at $112 billion annually.
In December 2023, the State of Mato Grosso do Sul enacted the Pantanal Law to promote sustainable practices and established the Pantanal Climate Fund. Building on this, the Pacto do Pantanal was launched in March 2025 to monetize preserved areas, support environmental education, and reinforce fire brigades. This aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy goals.
Objectives
- Highlight the role of Amazon and Pantanal wetlands in climate resilience and biodiversity.
- Advocate for a flagship wetlands initiative under the Global Gateway, using the Pantanal as a model.
- Explore synergies between the Pacto do Pantanal and the Global Gateway strategy.
- Promote dialogue on financial tools, policy support, and capacity-building for wetlands.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange between EU institutions, Brazilian stakeholders, and global actors.
Target Audience
- EU institutions and policymakers
- Brazilian government and regional organizations
- Conservation NGOs and international organizations
- Private sector actors in sustainable development
- Academic and research institutions
Conclusion
This event aims to strengthen sustainable wetland management in the Pantanal by fostering EU-Brazil collaboration. A pilot initiative under the Global Gateway strategy can bridge environmental, economic, and social progress, setting a replicable model for wetland ecosystems worldwide.
Staff