- Colombia achieved a remarkable 36% reduction in deforestation in 2023 compared to the previous year, marking the lowest level since record-keeping began.
- Environment Minister Susana Muhamad emphasized that 44,262 hectares of forest were preserved, attributing the success to government measures and peace efforts, despite ongoing challenges from illicit activities and climatic factors like El Niño.
- President Gustavo Petro’s administration aims to build on this success by hosting the COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, showcasing Colombia’s commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
Colombia Reports Historic Low in Deforestation for 2023, Environment Minister Announces
Colombia achieved a significant milestone in its battle against deforestation last year, with a remarkable 36% decrease compared to the previous year, according to the government’s announcement on Monday. This marks the lowest level of deforestation recorded since data collection began.
The decline was particularly notable in the Amazon, home to about one-third of Colombia’s rainforest. Nationwide, deforestation totaled approximately 792 square kilometers (305 square miles) in 2023, down from approximately 1,235 square kilometers (477 square miles) in the previous year, with over half of the total occurring in the Amazon region.
Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, according to Daily Mail, highlighted the impact of this reduction, stating,
“This means that 44,262 hectares of forest stopped being cut down. It is very good news, but we definitely cannot say that the battle is won. We continue to confront illicit economies.”
President Gustavo Petro’s administration, elected in 2022, had pledged to combat record-high deforestation rates by implementing measures to limit agribusiness expansion into forests and creating reserves where Indigenous communities and others can sustainably harvest non-timber forest products like rubber and acai.
The decrease in deforestation was bolstered by advancing peace talks between the government and guerrilla groups, alongside financial incentives for farmers in the Amazon to participate in conservation efforts. These initiatives followed a 29% reduction in deforestation observed in 2022.
Muhamad emphasized the ongoing challenges, noting that dry weather conditions linked to El Niño have already led to increased deforestation figures for the upcoming year.
Factors such as cattle ranching, drug crops, illegal mining, and logging continue to pose threats to Colombia’s forests.
Looking ahead, Colombia will spotlight its environmental achievements as it prepares to host the COP16 United Nations biodiversity summit in Cali starting October 21.
The government aims to leverage this platform to reinforce its commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The latest data underscores Colombia’s progress in forest preservation while highlighting the ongoing efforts needed to sustain these gains amid environmental and economic pressures.