Environment

The disappearing vegetation of Mato Grosso

Literally translated as 'thick vegetation,' the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso has been changed dramatically by the power of major agribusiness, and the forest cover which gave it its name is now largely gone

Environmental auditors in Colniza, Mato Grosso. Photo: Rodrigo Vargas/Folhapress

When the slavers and treasure hunters from São Paulo began their long journeys inland in search of gold and indigenous vassals in the 17th and 18th centuries, they eventually made it to the southern edge of what we know today as the Amazon rainforest. In this vast portion of land in the geographical center of South America, they found untouched wetlands, savanna, and jungle. In what is now known as the Vale do Guaporé, they struck gold amid the dense greenery of the forest.

The expansive region of Mato Grosso (literally meaning ‘thick vegetation’) soon became a Portuguese captaincy and today remains a Brazilian state. But the lush plant life that gives it its name is progressively disappearing.

Mato Grosso is one of Brazil’s most biodiverse states. Its southern portion marks the beginning of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. Meanwhile, cutting through state capital Cuiabá and forming a belt across Mato Grosso’s midriff is the Cerrado savanna, Brazil’s second-biggest biome.

And then, in what locals call the Nortão (‘Big North’) of Mato Grosso, lies the splendor of the Amazon rainforest, accounting for almost half of the state’s territory.

Despite this, Mato Grosso is not known for its rich array of ecosystems or diverse flora and fauna. In fact, it has largely been turned into farmland — so much so that it is nicknamed ‘Brazil’s Granary.’

The state leads all others in the production of soy, beef, and corn — among Brazil’s biggest exports. 

Fire on the Amazon’s doorstep

In the middle of the year, when the rains dry up and the sun scorches much of Brazil’s interior, large parts of the country go up in flames. Low humidity and prevailing winds lead to annual catastrophes, as fires spread almost uncontrolled.

While some fires occur accidentally — as a result of stray cigarette butts or the innocuous burning of biological waste gotten out of hand —...

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