Protecting Pantanal Waters: Indigenous-Led Environmental Mapping and Water Security Initiative, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The Terena people, self-designated as Xané, are the last survivors of the Guaná nation in Brazil and speak an Arawak language. Their ancestral home is the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, where they developed sophisticated agricultural and social systems long before European contact in the 16th century. Their history exemplifies both remarkable resilience and strategic adaptation to changing circumstances over centuries of colonial pressure.

Today, the Terena primarily reside in a discontinuous territory fragmented into small "islands" surrounded by ranches across six municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul, with communities also present in Mato Grosso and São Paulo due to forced migrations. The state of Mato Grosso do Sul contains Brazil's second-largest Indigenous population, surpassed only by Amazonas, with the Terena being one of its most numerous Peoples.

The Bananal village, where this project is centered, is one of 15 villages in the Taunay Ipegue Indigenous Land. While their traditional territory once exceeded 30,000 hectares, they currently await final demarcation of their lands - a process that has become increasingly complex in recent years. As one of the oldest settlements in the region, Bananal village serves as a central community, home to approximately 1,000 people, with facilities including schools, basic healthcare, and a community center.

The Terena have historically been known for their agricultural expertise and diplomatic abilities. Their traditional knowledge of agroforestry and environmental management has been crucial to their survival and adaptation. Their leaders have been instrumental in advancing Indigenous rights, contributing to both the Brazilian Constitution and the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This diplomatic approach reflects a long history of strategic alliance-building, dating back to their historical relationships with both colonial powers and other Indigenous nations.

However, their region today faces severe challenges. According to Global Witness research, it ranks among the world's most dangerous places for Indigenous leaders and environmental activists. The Terena's territories have been significantly impacted by expanding agribusiness operations, leading to land conflicts and environmental contamination. As reported in recent studies, their region has become a focal point of tension between Indigenous rights and agricultural expansion, with significant implications for both human rights and environmental protection.

The Terena communities face a complex web of interconnected challenges that threaten both their traditional way of life and their environmental sustainability. At the heart of these challenges lies a profound irony: a people whose ancestral home is the world's largest wetland now struggle with unprecedented water scarcity.

The situation has become particularly acute in recent years. Despite their traditional territory being rich in water resources, the Terena now face severe drought conditions that have fundamentally altered their agricultural practices and daily life. This crisis is exacerbated by the ongoing expansion of agribusiness operations in the region, which has led to both direct and indirect impacts on water availability and quality.

Deforestation has emerged as a critical concern, causing extensive damage to crucial ecosystems within their territory. These events have not only destroyed valuable forest resources but have also disrupted traditional water cycles and soil stability. The loss of native vegetation has accelerated erosion and reduced the land's natural ability to retain water, creating a vicious cycle of environmental degradation.

Water quality has become another pressing issue. The proximity of large-scale agricultural operations has led to concerns about agrochemical contamination of water sources. This pollution threatens not only drinking water safety but also the viability of traditional agricultural practices and the health of local ecosystems.

The impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident in the region. The Terena are experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, disrupting traditional agricultural cycles and forcing adaptations to long-established farming practices. These changes particularly affect their ability to maintain traditional crop varieties and agricultural techniques that have been passed down through generations. 

Land rights remain a fundamental challenge. The ongoing struggle for territory demarcation significantly limits the community's ability to implement comprehensive water management strategies. As reported in recent media coverage, the political climate surrounding Indigenous land rights in Brazil has become increasingly complex, with new legislative challenges threatening existing protections. This uncertainty affects not only the Terena's current water management efforts but also their ability to plan for long-term environmental sustainability.

These challenges are further complicated by the broader context of political and social pressures. Recent legislative developments and political tensions have created additional obstacles for Indigenous communities seeking to protect their environmental resources. As APIB executive coordinator Alberto Terena told Agência Brasil (via Common Dreams) on November 2024, legislation such as PEC 48 "is a threat against our demarcated lands that will exacerbate the planetary climate emergency."

The Coletivo Inamatí Xâné Terenoe emerged in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the urgent need for youth-led environmental and cultural action in the Terena community. Founded by young Terena educators, communicators, and researchers from Bananal Village, the Coletivo represents a new generation's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges while honoring traditional knowledge and practices.

At its core, the Coletivo operates as a bridge between generations, bringing together the wisdom of community elders with the energy and innovative approaches of youth. Their work spans multiple dimensions of community life, from environmental protection and territory monitoring to cultural preservation and sustainable resource management. Their approach is deeply rooted in traditional Terena values while embracing contemporary tools and methods to address modern challenges.

Since their founding, the Coletivo has demonstrated their effectiveness through various community initiatives. They have successfully organized and implemented environmental projects such as community pond restoration and water source protection efforts. Their work extends beyond physical environmental improvements to include comprehensive documentation and communication efforts, ensuring that both traditional knowledge and current environmental conditions are recorded for future generations.

The Coletivo operates under the guidance of community leaders, implementing activities in a way that respects traditional governance structures while empowering youth leadership. This approach has allowed them to build trust within the community while introducing innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges. 

This water security initiative represents a holistic approach to addressing the community's water challenges, combining traditional Terena knowledge with contemporary environmental management practices. At its heart lies the philosophy of Terena elders who say "it is possible to plant water" – a profound understanding of the interconnection between forest health and water security.

The project begins with comprehensive hydrographic mapping of the territory. This involves not just technical surveying but also the documentation of traditional knowledge about water sources and their historical changes. The mapping team will work with community elders to record both physical data and cultural knowledge about water sources, creating a unique repository of information that bridges scientific and traditional understanding.

The rainwater harvesting component aims to provide immediate relief while building long-term resilience. The project will establish collection systems that respect traditional architecture while incorporating modern efficiency improvements. Community members will receive training in system maintenance and water management, ensuring the sustainability of these installations.

The native species reforestation initiative embodies the Terena philosophy of "planting water." Working with community elders and botanical experts, the project will establish a nursery focusing on species known for their water-retention properties and cultural significance. This effort will not only help restore degraded areas but also strengthen the community's connection to traditional environmental knowledge.

Throughout all components, the project emphasizes community participation and knowledge transfer between generations. Each activity includes training elements and documentation efforts, ensuring that the knowledge and skills developed will continue to benefit the community long after the initial project period.