Lula signs law to strengthen protection and sustainable use of the Pantanal.
New legislation expands the fight against deforestation, encourages renewable practices, and creates the Sustainable Pantanal seal.
247 - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) sanctioned this Wednesday (1st), Law No. 15.228/2025, which establishes guidelines for the conservation, recovery and sustainable development of the Pantanal, recognized as national heritage. The norm was published in Official Gazette and promises to reconcile environmental preservation with job and income generation for the region's population.
The text outlines measures to strengthen environmental monitoring, stimulate the bioeconomy, promote sustainable tourism, and restore degraded areas. The legislation also reinforces the strategic role of agriculture, but requires that economic activities respect the limits of the Forest Code.
Principles of the new legislation
The law incorporates principles such as social participation, transparency, respect for regional diversity, and the federal pact. It also reinforces the social and environmental function of rural property and encourages technological practices that replace the use of fire.
Rules for cutting vegetation
The regulation makes it mandatory to register properties in the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR) and obtain authorization from the National Environmental System (Sisnama) for any suppression of native vegetation in the biome. Failure to comply with the legislation, especially the regulations on Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) and Legal Reserve, prevents any deforestation authorization.
Incentive and financing measures
The legal text provides for payment programs for environmental services and tax incentives for sustainable initiatives. Resources may come from the National Environment Fund, private donations, and endowment funds, strengthening restoration and conservation projects.
Sustainable Pantanal Seal
One of the innovations is the creation of the "Sustainable Pantanal" seal, a certification designed to recognize individuals and legal entities that adopt good environmental practices. The seal, valid for five years and renewable, seeks to value local products and services, promote ecotourism, regional culture, and sustainable agroforestry activities.
With this measure, the federal government intends to combine economic development and environmental preservation, ensuring that the Pantanal remains one of the richest and most important biomes in Brazil.
