The Paraguay–Paraná Wetland System is increasingly recognized as a regional fire corridor, where climate change, prolonged droughts, and hydrological alterations are intensifying wildfire regimes and landscape fragmentation. Recent extreme drought events across the basin have reduced floodplain connectivity and increased fire susceptibility, threatening migratory species, their habitats, and wetland-dependent livelihoods.
This side event will address the Paraguay–Paraná Wetland System, highlighting the Pantanal as a critical area for migratory species, to demonstrate how integrated environmental monitoring, wetland risk management, and community-based Integrated Fire Management can support the effective implementation of recommendations under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
In the context of increasing climate variability, more frequent extreme events, and intensifying anthropogenic pressures, the event will explore coordinated approaches that translate CMS recommendations into coherent, action-oriented responses for wetland conservation and wildlife protection.
Drawing on experiences from the Pantanal and the broader Paraguay–Paraná Wetland System, the session will illustrate how integrated monitoring systems, spatial planning tools, and community-led fire management initiatives strengthen the implementation of the CMS Strategic Plan and can be scaled across the entire Paraguay–Paraná migratory corridor. The event will showcase evidence-based frameworks and operational tools, including the Fire Intelligence System for Wetlands (SIFAU) and community-based Integrated Fire Management (IFM) approaches, real-time early-warning platforms, macrohabitat and wetland inventory methodologies, and participatory territorial planning strategies.
SIFAU will be highlighted as a flagship decision-support platform, combining satellite-derived climate, ignition, biomass, and risk indicators to inform fire prevention, preparedness, and response strategies in wetland landscapes. Special attention will be given to community-led Integrated Fire Management initiatives, including experiences from the Pantanal Fire Brigades Program, which brings together Indigenous, community, private, and governmental brigades to implement prevention, preparedness, early warning, response, and post-fire recovery actions. These initiatives demonstrate how combining scientific monitoring, traditional ecological knowledge, and territorial governance strengthens local resilience while reducing wildfire risks and protecting biodiversity. Together, these tools offer a scalable framework for corridor-wide fire governance, adaptive management, and policy-relevant decision-making.
Case studies will highlight strategies to reduce habitat loss and fragmentation, support ecological connectivity, and protect species particularly vulnerable to fire and climate-driven landscape changes.
The event will further present protocols and innovative approaches supporting CMS recommendations related to habitat restoration, ecosystem connectivity, and climate resilience, while emphasizing the integration of environmental data, scientific expertise, and territorial knowledge to support risk anticipation and adaptive planning.
Finally, the session will explore opportunities for international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and replication of integrated monitoring and management approaches across other wetland ecosystems and migratory species corridors worldwide.