The urgent call to protect wetlands has been echoed by Brazil's First Lady, Janja Lula da Silva, who received an open letter at COP30 in Belém. The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) presented the letter, endorsed by scientists, Indigenous organisations, and civil society leaders, to the First Lady during a concert featuring renowned musician Ney Matogrosso. The letter highlights the critical role of wetlands in climate action, emphasising their ability to store carbon, regulate rainfall, and support biodiversity and livelihoods. However, it also points out the stark reality that wetlands receive only a fraction of global climate finance and are often absent from national climate plans.
The letter specifically focuses on the Pantanal, a region in Brazil known for its extraordinary natural wealth and urgent vulnerability. EJF's Chief Representative and Lead Advocate for Brazil, Luciana Leite, emphasised the Pantanal's significance, stating that it protects unique wildlife, sustains traditional and Indigenous livelihoods, and helps stabilise the climate for everyone. Despite its importance, the Pantanal is under unbearable pressure, and the letter urges global leaders to take action.
Leonardo Gomes, Executive Director of SOS Pantanal, shared a powerful perspective, noting that the ongoing fires and habitat loss serve as a stark reminder of the potential loss of the Pantanal. However, it also strengthens their resolve to protect it. Gomes emphasised the potential for the Pantanal to thrive again with real protection and global commitment, ensuring its role as a source of life, culture, and climate security for generations to come.
The letter highlights a concerning fact: wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. When damaged or drained, they release enormous quantities of greenhouse gases. In 2020, nearly one-third of the Pantanal burned, releasing emissions equivalent to Belgium's annual emissions. Globally, degraded peatlands alone contribute to around 4% of human-made emissions annually. The letter urges governments to reverse this trend before it's too late.
At COP30 and beyond, EJF is calling on world leaders to take specific actions, including including wetland protection and restoration in national climate plans, increasing financing for wetland conservation in the Global South, supporting Indigenous and local community leadership, and establishing clear global targets for wetland protection aligned with the Paris Agreement and biodiversity goals.
Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of EJF, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating that wetlands must move from the margins to the centre of climate action. Protecting wetlands is presented as one of the fastest, most effective, and most affordable climate solutions available. COP30 provides an opportunity to address this issue once and for all.
