Bill 2973/26 defines sustainable ranching in the Pantanal as an environmentally relevant activity and a tool for fire prevention and mitigation. The text creates the National Environmental and Productive Security Policy for the Pantanal.
According to the project, controlled grazing of cattle is considered a practice of biomass reduction, such as dry grass. The project also guarantees legal stability for producers and prohibits arbitrary restrictions that disregard the historical presence of ranching in the floodable areas of the Pantanal.
Rural properties will need to adopt traceability systems for cattle and buffalo herds, as well as remote sensing monitoring and integrated registration.
To prevent wildfires, the proposal includes incentives for the management of natural pastures, the creation of private rural brigades, credit lines, and partnerships with research centers.
The author of the proposal, Deputy José Medeiros (PL-MT), states that the accumulation of dry vegetation in areas without livestock increases the risk of large fires. Medeiros highlights data from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) that classify livestock as the "firefighter of the Pantanal" for controlling flammable material in the field.
The deputy assesses that the presence of the cattle farmer is essential to maintain vigilance and prevent the abandonment of the land. "Science shows that most fires are caused by inadequate management. The cattle farmer is not the problem, but part of the solution to protect the biome," said Medeiros.
Next steps
The proposal will be reviewed, inconclusive natureby the commissions of Environment and Sustainable Development; Agriculture, Livestock, Supply and Rural Development; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship.
To become law, the text must be approved by the Chamber and the Senate.