Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced on Monday that the country has recorded its lowest deforestation figures in 23 years, with a notable decline in the Amazon rainforest. According to the environment ministry, deforestation in Colombia has fallen by 36 percent in 2023, driven by decreasing environmental destruction in the Amazon region.
Nationally, deforestation fell to just over 792 square kilometers last year, which is 36 percent less than the amount lost in 2022, according to a statement from the ministry. President Petro shared on social media, “It’s the lowest level of deforestation in 23 years. We must get to zero to maintain the lungs of the planet.”
The sustained decline is partly attributed to a government program that pays farmers in exchange for conserving nature. Additionally, deforestation has slowed in regions where guerrilla groups have entered into peace talks with the government.
Despite this progress, Colombia still faces significant challenges in combating deforestation. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad warned in April of a potential 40 percent increase in deforestation in the early months of 2024 due to dry weather resulting from the El Niño phenomenon.
Colombia is set to host the COP16 biodiversity conference in October, emphasizing the country’s commitment to environmental conservation. According to the environment ministry, the main causes of deforestation in Colombia are “extensive livestock practices, unplanned transport infrastructure, illicit crops, illegal mineral extraction, and logging.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
