março, 23 2026

By WWF-Brazil

WWF-Brazil celebrates President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signing of three decrees aimed at creating and expanding protected areas in the Cerrado and Pantanal, during a High-Level session in Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul state), this Sunday (22), on the eve of the official opening of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15).

One of the decrees establishes the Córregos dos Vales Sustainable Development Reserve, in the north of the state of Minas Gerais, with a total area of ​​40,834 hectares of Cerrado. The other two expand the protection of the Pantanal by 104,208 hectares, through the expansion of the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, on the border of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Taiamã Ecological Station, in the state of Mato Grosso.

The organisation recognises the importance of this action and reiterates that protecting migratory species and critical ecosystems is essential for the planet's survival, as highlighted by President Lula when he stated that "there will be no lasting prosperity in Latin America without the protection of our biodiversity." At the same time, WWF-Brazil stresses that the effectiveness of these decrees depends on continuous and effective actions on the ground, such as implementation, monitoring, and consistent public policies.

On that occasion, the president also reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to the global goal of protecting at least 30% of its marine areas by 2030 (30x30), highlighting the importance of advancing the conservation of strategic ecosystems such as the Abrolhos region, the seamounts of the Fernando de Noronha Chain and the Rocas Atoll, which are fundamental for biodiversity and ecological connectivity in the South Atlantic.

Lula also stated that the Brazilian presidency of COP15 has three priorities: to engage with the principles enshrined in the Climate, Desertification and Biodiversity Conventions; to work to expand and mobilise financial resources, create innovative multilateral funds and mechanisms, especially for developing countries; and to universalise - the Pantanal Declaration, adopted today, proposes that more countries become effectively involved in the protection of species and migratory routes.

WWF-Brazil emphasises that the country's leadership in the conservation of migratory species and the promotion of ecological corridors – terrestrial, aquatic, and marine – is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and meeting global environmental goals. Ecosystem conservation requires constant attention to ensure that protected areas, ecological corridors, and essential habitats fulfil their function of protecting the lives of threatened species, such as jaguars, whales, and turtles.

COP15, which takes place between March 23 and 29 in the heart of the Pantanal, is a global UN event that this year highlights ecological connectivity as a strategic priority for the survival of migratory species. In this context, WWF-Brazil reaffirms its commitment to working with governments, local communities, scientists, and civil society to help transform national and international commitments into concrete results, strengthening biodiversity protection and ecosystem resilience.