Pantanal Biome Receives Specific Protection Regulation

In brief

On October 1, 2025, Law No. 15,228/2025 was published, addressing the use, conservation, protection, and restoration of the Pantanal biome. The law establishes guidelines for the development of public policies that reconcile economic development with environmental preservation. It also promotes biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. Additionally, the law introduces the “Sustainable Pantanal” seal as a tool to recognize and promote best practices. Furthermore, it provides for measures to prevent and combat illegal deforestation, as well as to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforcement efforts.

In more detail

On October 1, 2025, Law No. 15,228 was enacted, establishing guidelines for the use, conservation, protection, and restoration of the Pantanal biome.

The law recognizes the Pantanal as a national heritage and reinforces principles such as sustainable development, the appreciation of traditional communities, and the protection of natural resources.

It also establishes the “Sustainable Pantanal” seal, aimed at identifying individuals or legal entities engaged in or supporting initiatives that promote the sustainable development of the biome. Authorization to use the seal will be granted upon request, following criteria and procedures to be defined in future regulations. The seal will be valid for five years and may be renewed.

Furthermore, the law prohibits the use of public funds for payments for environmental services to individuals or entities that are non-compliant with Terms of Conduct Adjustment (TACs) signed with the competent authorities.

The law also strengthens guidelines to combat unauthorized deforestation in the Pantanal, emphasizing decentralized management and cooperation among the federal government, states, and municipalities. In addition to requiring authorization from the competent environmental authority, the removal of native vegetation is conditional upon the property’s registration in the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR).

In cases of (i) non-compliance with the law and its regulations; or (ii) damage to the flora, fauna, or other natural attributes of the biome, offenders will be subject to the penalties provided by law, without prejudice to the obligation to repair the damage caused.

The law came into force on the date of its publication.