Simulating land use changes, sediment yields, and pesticide use in the Upper Paraguay River Basin: Implications for conservation of the Pantanal wetland

A significant increase in pesticide use is projected for the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB) by 2050, with potential rises of up to 11.2% under accelerated anthropogenic changes and 7.4% under business-as-usual scenarios. These increases could pose severe threats to the Pantanal wetlands. The study, using Land Cover Land Use Change (LCLUC) modeling, highlights that sub-basins with extensive agricultural areas are particularly vulnerable. Mitigation strategies, such as implementing buffer zones around protected areas, could potentially curb pesticide load and sediment yields. The research underscores the need for substantial shifts in land management practices, involving technological advancements, policy changes, and enhanced dialogue among stakeholders to safeguard this critical ecosystem.

Roque, F. d. O., Guerra, A., Johnson, M., Padovani, C., Corbi, J., Covich, A. P., Eaton, D., Tomas, W. M., Valente-Neto, F., Borges, A. C. P., Pinho, A., Barufatii, A., Crispim, B. d. A., Guariento, R. D., Andrade, M. H. d. S., Rezende-Filho, A. T., Portela, R., Divina, M., da Silva, J. C. S., et al. (2021). Simulating land use changes, sediment yields, and pesticide use in the Upper Paraguay River Basin: Implications for conservation of the Pantanal wetland. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 314, 107405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2021.107405