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The Pantanal is the largest freshwater wetland in the world. Located six hours by boat from the city of Corumbá, the Serra do Amolar forms a large sandstone barrier that slows down the rivers, creating bays. In the region around the Paraguay-Mirim River, the abundance of aquatic plants filters impurities, transforming the area into natural aquariums with crystal-clear waters.
According to studies, there are approximately 150 species in the region. Biologist Sérgio Eduardo Barreto de Aguiar explains this natural phenomenon by comparing it to the human body:
“All this vegetation works like our eyelashes, filtering out anything so it doesn’t reach our eyes. This vegetation filters all the water, forming these natural aquariums, these underwater gardens, and all the beauty we can observe here in the Pantanal. Here, at any time of the year, you will find crystal-clear water. We could have 100 or 150 millimeters of rain, and we’ll still have clear water due to all the filtration done by this vegetation. This biodiversity has created opportunities for the local ribeirinho population to sustain themselves while preserving this area.”
Approximately 38 families, or 216 people according to the NGO Ecoa, live in the area, with access only via waterways. The Paraguay-Mirim community has no roads. Around 80% of the residents are fishermen and bait collectors for fishing tourism.