Sustainable livestock farming in the Pantanal: challenges and opportunities for local sheep producers

Abstract

Livestock is a traditional activity in Pantanal, biome that includes the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso and is recognized, by UNESCO, as a Natural World Heritage site. Such activity faced challenges to adapt to the environmental legislation and the interests of social actors of the region. This paper analyzed sheep farming in the Pantanal floodplain area as a sustainable production option for traditional livestock. Sheep farming is seen as an activity with the potential of balancing the conservation of this biome, with the socioeconomical development of local producers. The methodology consisted in a quali-quantitative research based on official documents, statistic data, interviews with public and private institutions, as well as with the ones from the third sector, and the last three agricultural census. Sheep farming has the potential to generate income, jobs and added value, besides contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and local culture. However, the activity faces obstacles, such as lack of infrastructure, technical assistance, credit and tax incentives. The regulation and implementation of the Law of Pantanal may affect, positively, the sheep farming activity, as it presents articles and sections aligned with the sustainable livestock production. An integrated strategic plan that considers the specificities of the biome, of local producers and the appreciation of local brands is needed, under geographic indications and quality seals.