Salobra River Delta could gain new federal protection area in MS Mauricio Copetti The Salobra River, which draws attention for the beauty of its crystal clear waters and emerald green color in some stretches, could gain yet another federal protection. The transformation of the region known as the Salobra River Delta, between the municipalities of Bodoquena and Miranda, into a Wildlife Refuge (Revis), is debated at a public hearing this Wednesday (17). The meeting, which takes place in Bodoquena, is promoted by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and is open to public participation. The body is also responsible for managing the Serra da Bodoquena National Park (PNSBd), which covers part of the Salobra River. ✅ Click here to follow the g1 MS channel on WhatsApp The proposal foresees the inclusion of 60.8 thousand hectares in a new conservation unit. Now on g1 According to the Delta do Salobra Institute (IDS), the territory brings together strategic areas for environmental preservation, including the Serra da Bodoquena and the Pantanal Sedimentary Basin. Located in a transition zone between Pantanal, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, the area also maintains an ecological connection with the Paraguayan Chaco. Around 80% of the proposed area is in territories classified by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as priorities for conservation. Area connects biomes and strengthens conservation According to the IDS, the Salobra Delta occupies a strategic position in a mosaic formed by conservation units and indigenous land. Its location connects four major biomes in South America, forming an ecological corridor of continental relevance. This corridor begins in Chaco, Paraguay, crosses the Kadiwéu Indigenous Land, passes through the Serra da Bodoquena National Park — where one of the main remnants of the region's Atlantic Forest is preserved — and returns to the Pantanal through the Salobra Delta. From there, it continues to the Rio Negro State Park through existing legal reserves. The integration between these environments also strengthens nature tourism, connecting the region to the already consolidated itineraries of Bonito and Pantanal. The variety of landscapes between the mountains and the plains attracts visitors and stimulates sectors such as accommodation, food, transport, commerce and services. Water dynamics shape the landscape One of the characteristics of the Salobra Delta is the change in water paths during periods of drought and flood. The Salobra River originates in Serra da Bodoquena and connects the plateau to the Pantanal plain. This flow directly influences the Pantanal, which receives water drained from higher areas. Furthermore, it allows the movement of animals and the dispersion of plant species between different environments. With the movement of water, new river branches appear that isolate parts of the territory and make access difficult. This scenario favors the permanence of wild fauna. Monitoring cameras recorded tapirs, ocelots, jaguars and jaguars using the area. The images reinforce the importance of the Salobra Delta as a shelter and circulation route for the Pantanal fauna. Watch videos from Mato Grosso do Sul: