Deforestation in Colombia Falls to 23-Year Low

Facts

• According to Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, the country recorded a 36% drop in deforestation in 2023 — primarily driven by Pres. Gustavo Petro's efforts to reduce environmental destruction in the Amazon.¹
• Nationwide, deforestation fell to just over 79K hectares last year, down from around 123K hectares in 2022. This is reportedly the lowest figure since 2000.²
• In 2022, Petro promised to curb deforestation by limiting agribusiness expansion and letting Indigenous communities harvest non-timber forest products.³
• Deforestation reportedly fell considerably after the government advanced peace talks in areas under control by guerrillas and incentivized farmers towards conservation.⁴
• The 2016 Colombian peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia's (FARC) guerrillas allegedly fueled deforestation as the group's dissidents reportedly exploited its absence to seize land and clear forests.⁵
• However, Muhamad said this year's figures may not be as encouraging as dry conditions from the weather pattern El Niño has led to a rise in deforestation amid mass cattle ranching, illegal mining, and logging.³

Sources: ¹Al Jazeera, ²The City Paper Bogotá, ³Associated Press, ⁴Euronews and ⁵Guardian.

Narratives

• Narrative A, as provided by Earth.Org. Deforestation in Colombia has severely impacted its Amazon and Chocó rainforests. This destruction endangers biodiversity and Indigenous communities and contributes significantly to global emissions. Corruption and weak law enforcement still hinder effective conservation despite government efforts and international support.