Quick Summary
- 1Deforestation in the Pantanal biome decreased by 65.4% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
- 2Between August 2024 and July 2025, 291.21 square kilometers of native vegetation were suppressed, down from 842.44 square kilometers in 2024.
- 3This marks the lowest index in the historical series, which began in 2001.
- 4The reduction is attributed to strengthened environmental enforcement and public policies.
Quick Summary
Deforestation in the Pantanal biome fell by 65.4% in 2025, recording the lowest level in the history of the annual monitoring program. Data from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) indicates a significant reduction in vegetation suppression compared to the previous year.
The decline covers the period between August 2024 and July 2025. Officials attribute the drop to reinforced environmental inspection efforts and recent public policies. The improvement is visible across the biome, which spans parts of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul.
Advanced satellite monitoring played a crucial role in the reduction. Daily alert systems helped authorities target illegal activities effectively. The data confirms a consistent downward trend following a major enforcement operation in late 2023.
📉 Record Low in Deforestation Rates
The 65.4% decrease represents a historic low for the region. According to the Annual Monitoring of Native Vegetation Suppression (Prodes) system, only 291.21 km² of the biome was deforested in 2025.
This figure contrasts sharply with the data from 2024, which recorded 842.44 km² of deforestation. The 2024 total was the third highest since monitoring began in 2001.
The Prodes system utilizes satellite imagery to track changes in native vegetation. The drastic reduction suggests that enforcement measures are yielding tangible results.
"The results show that the recent actions are working."— Cláudio Almeida, Coordinator of the BiomasBR Program
📍 Geographic Distribution of Deforestation
The deforestation recorded in 2025 was concentrated primarily in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. This state accounted for 237.69 km² of the total area affected.
This represents 81.62% of the total deforestation in the biome for the year. The remaining 18.38%, totaling 53.51 km², occurred in the state of Mato Grosso.
While Mato Grosso do Sul saw the majority of the activity, the overall volume of deforestation was significantly lower than in previous years across both states.
🔍 Role of Monitoring and Enforcement
Experts cite the strengthening of environmental inspection as the primary driver for the decline. Cláudio Almeida, the coordinator of the BiomasBR Program, stated that the results confirm the effectiveness of recent actions.
INPE launched the Deter Pantanal system in 2023. This system provides daily alerts regarding vegetation changes, allowing for rapid response from inspection teams.
These alerts were instrumental in the Operation Piúva, conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) in December 2023. Following that operation, deforestation alerts began to decrease month by month.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much did deforestation decrease in the Pantanal?
Deforestation decreased by 65.4% in 2025 compared to 2024. The area suppressed dropped from 842.44 km² to 291.21 km².
What caused the reduction in deforestation?
The reduction is linked to stronger environmental enforcement and public policies. Daily monitoring alerts and specific operations like Operation Piúva helped identify and stop illegal activities.
Which state had the most deforestation?
Mato Grosso do Sul accounted for the majority of the deforestation in 2025, with 237.69 km² affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deforestation in the Pantanal biome dropped by 65.4% in 2025, reaching the lowest level recorded since monitoring began in 2001.
The decline is attributed to strengthened environmental inspection, public policies, and the use of daily satellite alerts to guide enforcement actions.
Mato Grosso do Sul was the most affected state, accounting for 81.62% of the deforestation area in 2025.
