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In a powerful exhibition opening in London, celebrated Brazilian photographer Lalo de Almeida presents a harrowing visual narrative of the Pantanal, South America’s expansive wetland, as it grapples with an unprecedented wave of wildfires. Documenting the environmental calamity, de Almeida’s images capture not only the devastation wrought upon this vital ecosystem but also the enduring spirit of those combating the flames.
A Devastated Landscape
De Almeida, a distinguished documentary photographer from São Paulo, has dedicated over three decades to capturing socio-environmental issues, particularly in the Amazon basin. His award-winning photo essays, including the poignant *Pantanal Ablaze*, which won first place at the World Press Photo contest in 2021, shed light on the urgent crises facing these irreplaceable habitats. The same year, he won the Eugene Smith grant for his compelling long-term project, *Amazonian Dystopia*, reinforcing his commitment to environmental storytelling.
The year 2020 marked a turning point for the Pantanal, as uncontrolled fires ravaged the landscape. De Almeida recalls his initial visit to the region, where he witnessed the sheer scale of devastation. “The fire was out of control, and there was almost no firefighting,” he lamented. He observed not only the destruction of flora but also the heartbreaking plight of wildlife caught in the inferno—countless animals perished, while others suffered grave injuries or were left orphaned.
The Unbearable Heat of Destruction
As he ventured deeper into the Pantanal, de Almeida encountered scenes that haunt him to this day. On one occasion, he documented a small fire that rapidly escalated, creating a towering column of smoke that obscured the sky. “The unbearable heat, the noise of burning vegetation, the suffocating smoke—all enveloped by an orange light—was a scene I will never forget,” he recounted, describing it as akin to witnessing an apocalypse.
The Transpantaneira highway, a crucial artery through the northern Pantanal, became a grim reminder of the ecological fallout. Amidst the chaos, he observed countless marsh deer seeking refuge in small ponds, their usual wariness overshadowed by the immediate threat of fire. Such sights, he noted, were unthinkable in normal circumstances.
Heroes Amidst the Flames
Among the chaos, de Almeida also encountered the unsung heroes of the Pantanal—the firefighters. Many were part of the Prevfogo brigade, specially trained by Brazil’s federal environmental agency, Ibama. During his time with them, he noted their resilience and commitment, often working under extreme conditions to combat the flames. “They worked 12 hours a day, risking their lives,” he said, acknowledging their dedication as a source of hope amidst the devastation.
However, the cycle of destruction proved relentless. In August 2024, the Pantanal ignited once more, and de Almeida returned to find familiar landscapes engulfed in flames. The horror of witnessing the same devastation reoccur left him questioning whether this was now the new reality for this resilient biome. “The fires are frequent and intense,” he observed, highlighting the struggle for recovery in a landscape ravaged by drought and human negligence.
A Call to Awareness
As de Almeida’s exhibition, *Water Pantanal Fire*, opens at the Science Museum in London from 6 February to 31 May, he urges viewers to acknowledge the interconnectedness of global environmental issues. The Pantanal fires serve as a stark reminder of the impact of human actions on our planet. “I hope people realise this isn’t a distant problem,” he remarked. “We are all connected on this planet.”
Why it Matters
The plight of the Pantanal is not merely a local issue; it echoes the broader environmental challenges facing our world. De Almeida’s stark imagery compels us to confront the consequences of climate change and anthropogenic neglect. As we witness the fragility of ecosystems like the Pantanal, it becomes imperative for individuals and nations alike to foster a sense of stewardship for our planet. The narratives embedded in de Almeida’s work serve as both a warning and a call to action, urging us to protect the natural world before it is too late.
