The world's largest wetlands are on the borders of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. Pantanal is unique for its biodiversity. During the 20th century, humanity drained or otherwise destroyed half the wetlands on the planet, decrying them as unhealthy and converting them into agricultural or building land. In Brazil, herders and sugar cane planters are gradually appropriating these vast wetlands. Throughout the world, the expansion of cities and farmland contradicts the aim of preserving fragile and important environments, such as forests, mangroves and wetlands.
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