Amazon deforestation surges in Colombia, reversing historic gains
BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s government announced a significant increase in deforestation in the Amazon rainforest last year, undoing much of the progress made in 2023 when deforestation hit a historic low.
The national meteorological agency attributed the rise in deforestation to pasture expansion for cattle, illicit crops, illegal mining, and unregulated infrastructure development.
Just a month ago, the environment ministry had reported a decrease in deforestation in the first quarter of this year due to enhanced community coordination and a crackdown on environmental crime.
In 2024, Colombia lost 113,608 hectares of forest, marking a 43% increase from the previous year, with the Amazon region experiencing the most significant losses.
Environment Minister Lena Estrada Añokazi expressed concern over the persistence of deforestation despite the government’s efforts to preserve forests and biodiversity.
The worst-affected areas were identified as Meta, Caqueta, Guaviare, and Putumayo, all within the Amazon Arc, where illegal activities are rampant.
Estrada highlighted that wildfires exacerbated by climate change were a contributing factor to the rise in deforestation, particularly impacting vulnerable populations in the Amazon.
Despite the increase in deforestation in 2024, Colombia maintains a net reduction in forest loss compared to 2021, with efforts to combat deforestation showing some success in previous years.
While deforestation levels have fluctuated, the overall trend since 2022 has been downward, indicating progress in conservation efforts.
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