Parana River Watershed by Jacqlyn Osborne

Parana River Basin

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-03 23:10:49 UTC

The Parana River is located in South America, flowing through southeastern Brazil, Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northern Argentina. In all the Parana River drainage basin covers 4,880 square kilometers. The Parana River is known for its world redound birdwatching, and it's a major waterway linking Argentina and Paraguay with the ocean.

Photo Source: Https://inweh.unu.edu/the-par

Social Parameters

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-03 23:27:11 UTC

The Parana River is the 2nd largest river in South America, only behind the Amazon River. Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil all use the Parana River as a vital transportation route to link landlocked cities throughout their countries. The Parana River is vital. Providing commercial fishing, cargo transportation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water for millions of people.

Physical Parameters

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-03 23:41:42 UTC

The Parana River spans a total of 4.880 square kilometers. Beginning in Brazil, flowing south to the Rio de la Plata estuary, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Buenos Aires Argentina. The Parana basin is home to a population of nearly 20 million people.

Photo Source: Britanica

https://www.britannica.com/place/Parana-River

Agricultural Use

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 00:01:34 UTC

One of the most widespread uses for the Parana's River includes commercial fishing. The most sought-after fish are Dorado, the Pacu, and the Surubi. The number one crop harvested around the Parana River is Soybeans. These soybeans are the top cash crop for the area. Due to low water levels, the river can only hold half of the normal soybean crops produced.

Source: Earth Data

https://daac.ornl.gov/LBA/guides/CD06_LULC_Map_JiParana.html

Urban Use

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 00:13:41 UTC

For urban cities, touched by the Parana River the primary use is for transportation of goods and agriculture. The watershed provides fresh drinking water, hydroelectric power, and commercial fishing for its surrounding residents. Shipping and commercial fishing are the largest economic impact on this region.

Source: 123RF

https://www.123rf.com/photo_2767666

Tourism

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 00:31:22 UTC

The Parana River brings many sports fisherman from all around the world. The most coveted species are the Dorado, the Pacu, and Surubi. There are numerous annual sport fishing events throughout the river. Beautiful waterfalls such as Iguazu falls, also bring tourists to the region.

Photo Source: Viator.com

Wildlife of the Parana River

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 00:43:52 UTC

In addition to a large number of aquatic species, the River Basin is one our world's largest aviaries. The basin is home to over 700 bird species. Due to the complex colors and natural beauty of the region, tourists flock to this basin.

Photo Source

https://www.heatherle.co.uk/birdwatch

Cultural Connections

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 00:55:59 UTC

Tupi -Guaranis, Kaingangs, and Xoklengs were the first inhabitants of the initial territory. Sebastion Cabot discovered the Parana River Basin in 1526. The river name dervied from the phrase, "para rehe onava." This translates to, "as big as the sea."

Photo Source:

Sebastian Cabot (heritage.nf.ca )

Facts of the Parana River Basin

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 01:09:45 UTC

The Parana River history is robust and longstanding. To garner a better understanding of the territory; this video helped provide an overview of the beauty and importance of Parana River Basin. This river is vital to the future of the basin. Due to changes in the river water levels, the future of Parana River Basin is murky.

Video Source:

https://youtu.be/UgCp3AriEK?feature=shared

Climate Change & Parana River Basin

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 01:19:48 UTC

Dry weather is the key contributor to drought throughout the Parana River. This dry weather pattern has increased over the past several decades due to global warming climate patterns. In addition, due to population growth, hydroelectric dams have been constructed in the river to provide power for humans. This reliance on water combined with La Nina decreasing rainfall throughout the region have become growing challenges to the long term vitality of the territory.

Photo Source:

'Everything is burning': Argentina's delta fires rage out of control | Argentina | The Guardian

Why is the Parana River Drying Up

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 01:30:36 UTC

The Parana River is at its lowest point in over 80 years. This video focuses on the why's and questions as to how the river could decrease so rapidly. Researchers are desperate for answers as the drought is impacting humans, wildlife, geography and the global economy.

Video Source:

http://youtu.be/bt5TdWTAmMY?si=WBXHX7Q19Hip4Lqg

Economic Impact & Climate Change

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 01:39:11 UTC

Parana River Basin is one of the worlds largest producers and exporters of soybeans and maize. Drought conditions and reduced rainfall have significantly reduced the production of soybeans and maize. The yield that is prepared for shipping also incurs the challenge of navigating the Parana River. With the river at its lowest point in 80 years, almost half of the remaining agricultural yield is lost due to an inability to successfully navigate through the river.

Photo Source:

The Argentine river that carries soybeans to the world is drying up - The Japan Times

Impacts on Electricity

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 01:45:22 UTC

Low water levels have stressed the dam systems throughout the Parana River Basin. While the Itaipu Dam produces the greatest amount of hydroelectricity in the world, it comes at a cost. Climate Changes impact on the reduction of natural rainfall and increase with human inhabitants have caused a significant demand for electricity and price increase for the surrounding populations.

Photo Source:

Itaipu Dam produces the most energy of any hydroelectric dam in the world | The Vintage News

Decreased Precipitation

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 01:58:46 UTC

Their is much debate on whether climate change or La Nina is the primary cause for decreased precipitation. Climate Change proponents argue that prolonged weather systems have been impacted by it. Some meteorologists propose the reduction in precipitation is due to La Nina weather systems. These systems have been proven by proponents to last on average seven years and have been documented over the past three systems.

Photo Source:

Drought in the Paraná River basin | Copernicus

Drought and Parana Species

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:14:08 UTC

Droughts have significant impacts both above and below the water levels. The potamotrygon stingray is native to the Parana River, but on the verge of extinction due to decreasing water levels impacting natural habitats.

One question that is often asked about the Parana River basin revolves around its name. Piranha are in the river. There currently are three species living in the basin water system.

Photo Source:

Potamotrygon hystrix - Marmorierter Süßwasserrochen bei AqZeNo online oder im Ladengeschäft günstig kaufen oder bestellen | AqZeNo - Aquaristik Zentrum Nord

Parana River Land Species

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:26:16 UTC

Reptiles are the primary land wildlife along the Parana River. While the droughts and weather system changes have had a negative impact to these species, they have been able to survive due to their natural biological needs. Destruction of the rainforests due to fire and deforesting have caused greater impact than drought to their inhabitant numbers.

Video Source:

https://youtu.be/ba0uoLeZbs?si=EFVRU4nBD-r4A3rn

Wildfires of the Parana

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:32:20 UTC

Elongated Weather Patterns and Climate Change have both contributed to a decrease in precipitation. These changes have created a tinderbox throughout the Amazon. Over 900,000 square acres are lost due to wildfires annually.

Photo Source:

Fires in the wetlands of the Paraná River Delta- Argentina | Copernicus

Deforestation

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:39:07 UTC

Deforestation has been increasing annually due to the continuously expanding human need for natural resources. From 2000 to 2020, 13% of forest cover was lost due to deforestation in the Parana River basin. These impacts of deforestation include climate change, soil erosion, and fewer crops.

Photo Source:

Fires and Deforestation near the Xingu River (nasa.gov )

Solutions... Conversation

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:43:12 UTC

Conservation efforts focused appropriately will improve the natural environment, crop yield and longterm trajectory of wildlife. These initiatives will need to reduce deforestation, foster development of alternative energy sources and reimagining transportation methods along the Parana river.

Solutions... Natural Environment

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:49:19 UTC

Deforestation is one of the easiest climate change challenges that can be addressed immediately. Paraguay and several other South American countries are working to slow the deforestation rate within their borders. Throughout the Amazon, over 900.000 square acres are lost annually. The forest coverage lost significantly impacts everything living under the tree canopy.

Photo Source:

Environmental Policy in Paraguay | livebetter Magazine

Solutions... Crop Yield

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 02:57:25 UTC

Soybean production throughout the Panara River Basin is its largest cash crop. To ensure production increases and meets demand farmers can look to repurpose their fields. Cattle pastures that are not primarily used can be utilized for soybean production. This will enable farmers to maximize their land usage, slow the need for deforestation and reduce their carbon emissions from cattle.

Photo Source:

Argentina and the largest soybean exporter - LatinAmerican Post

Solutions... Wildlife

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 03:05:09 UTC

Climate Change is not a singular watershed issue. This is a global issue that needs to be addressed together. Locally, the Parana River Watershed committee was developed in 2014 with the focus of preserving it for generations to come. They are focused on finding alternative energy solutions, ecosystem improvements and water resource management.

Photo Source:

Paraná’s Water Basin Committees | use: urban sustainability exchange (metropolis.org )

Conclusion

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 03:21:26 UTC

The Parana River is the third largest river in the Americas. Five countries have the river flow through their lands. These lands are home to nearly 20 million people, 900 species of birds, and over 1000 fish and wildlife species. Water transportation is vital to landlocked areas having access to shipping channel access with the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate Change and extended weather systems have taken its toll on the basin. Currently the river water level is at its lowest point in 80 years. Over 13% of the ground forest cover has been lost in the past 20 years due to deforestation. These changes have impacted the wildlife, agriculture production and economy.

While the Parana Watershed Committee is working to address these challenges, it will take a global effort to fix all of the impacts of climate change.

Photo Source:

The Parana River - WorldAtlas

References

osbornejacqlyn — 2023-12-04 03:32:43 UTC

"Parana's Water Basin Committees | use: urban sustainability exchange"

use.metropolis.org

"Parana River: History, Origin, Characteristics, Height and Much More." Rios del Planeta, https://riosdelplaneta.com/en/parana-river/.

"South Amercian Documents." International Water Law Project", https://www.internationalwaterlaw.org/documents/s-america.html

Landcover Classification Map | Download Scientific Diagram. https://researchegate.net/figure/Landcover-Classification-Map_fig2_338994039