A marsh deer escaping a forest fire in Poconé, Mato Grosso, in 2020
Lalo de Almeida
Science Museum
The Pantanal, an expansive tropical wetland shared by Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, is home to a diverse range of wildlife including jaguars, howler monkeys, caiman, marsh deer, and various species of fish and birds. However, a devastating combination of climate change, deforestation, and intensive agriculture has transformed this vibrant ecosystem into a charred landscape ravaged by wildfires.
In 2020, a historic wildfire engulfed over a quarter of the Pantanal, marking the region’s worst environmental disaster. The following year, another major fire season further exacerbated the ecological crisis.
The contrast between the wet and dry seasons, which once defined the Pantanal’s natural rhythm, has been distorted by human activities and global warming. The fragile balance of this 200,000-square-kilometre wetland is now under threat, with catastrophic consequences for its inhabitants.
The poignant images captured by photographers Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani offer a glimpse into the stark reality of the Pantanal’s plight. Their work is featured in the exhibition Water Pantanal Fire, hosted at the Science Museum in London from February to May.
Candisani’s photographs focus on the region’s aquatic ecosystems and freshwater biodiversity, showcasing the beauty and fragility of life in the Pantanal’s waterways.
On the other hand, de Almeida’s documentary-style images capture the devastating impact of wildfires and climate change on the once-thriving wetland. His stark visuals of charred landscapes and volunteer firefighters battling the blaze serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation and protection.
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