Deep in the Brazilian wetlands , a jaguar named Amanaci was recently rescued from raging fires in the Pantanal- the world’s largest wetland, situated in Brazil.

She is undergoing an experimental stem cell treatment after surviving the deadly wildfires blazing through the wetlands since July.

She was rescued by volunteers from the NEX Institute in Brazil- an NGO dedicated to protecting endangered wild cats. Few are as lucky as jaguar.

Pantanal may not be a popular name, but tourists in the neighbourhood countries flock there because it is home to exceptionally high concentrations of breathtaking wildlife: jaguars, tapirs, endangered giant otters and bright blue hyacinth macaws. The wetland bloats with water during the rainy season and empties out during the dry months. This phenomenon has a name which symbolised beating heart: the flood pulse.

Now the unprecedented wildfires in these wetlands have destroyed more than one-fifth of the Pantanal. The Pantanal stretches across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and is one of the planet’s most biodiverse ecosystems. This year’s fires have already destroyed near one-fifth of the great wetland which is larger than Greece. Wildfires have nearly killed an estimated 600 jaguars in Pantanal.

Its countless swamps, lagoons and tributaries purify water and help prevent floods and droughts. They also store untold amounts of carbon, helping to stabilize the climate.

Now scientist say climate change is only making the problem worse. At least 22 percent of the Pantanal in Brazil has burned since January, with the worst fires, in August and September, blazing for two months straight.

Naturally occurring fire plays a role in the Pantanal, in addition to the burning by ranchers living near the wetlands. The flames are usually contained by the landscape’s mosaic of water. But this year’s drought sucked these natural barriers dry. The fires are far worse than any since satellite records began, burning more tress and causing more damage.

Climate change poses a grave threat to the ecosystem, damaging bio diversity and impairing its ability to help regulate water for the whole of South America, and carbon for the world. In less than 20 years, majority of the northern Pantanal may turn into a savanna or even an arid zone.

Infact, humans are digging their own grave now. There are many solutions: reduce climate change immediately. Practice sustainable agriculture in and around the wetland. Pay ranchers to preserve forests and other natural areas on their land. Increase ecotourism. Do not divert the Pantanal’s waters, because its flood pulse is its life.

Everybody talks about it. But little is done.

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The UAE launched a National System for Sustainable Agriculture and Label to enhance the food security and preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations. This was announced at a meeting of the UAE Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE Sustainable Agriculture System, the first of its kind, aims to increase the nation’s self-sufficiency from agricultural production and increase the workforce in the agricultural sector. It seeks to invest in agriculture by utilising modern technologies, and make proactive changes in food and agricultural systems.
It utilises artificial intelligence and block chain technologies. Smart phone applications will be used to help farmers monitor insect movement. Other tools are used to damage the fertility of insects.
The system also seeks to achieve several economic, social and environmental objectives, including increasing the self-sufficiency rates of targeted agricultural crops by 5 percent annually, increase the labour force by 5 per cent annually, and ration the use of water in production by 15 percent annually.
The system is developed by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) along with its strategic partners.
“The innovative system is aimed to ensure self-sufficiency in agricultural production, increase the economic return of the agriculture sector and promote investment in agro-industry,” said Abdullah Abdul Qader Al Maeeni, Director General of ESMA. It addresses the challenges faced by the UAE food security, including water scarcity, climate change, population growth, growing demand for food, and malnutrition, he added.
He informed that the system has utilised statistical research issued by various international sources, including the World Bank and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.

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