Armed groups operating in Colombia’s Amazon are tightening their grip on the region, stalling government efforts to tackle deforestation, according to a think tank report released on Thursday.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents, known as EMC, have gained significant influence over the area and possess the ability to slow or accelerate deforestation at will, stated the report by The International Crisis Group.
Some former FARC members never signed the 2016 peace deal with the Colombian government, disagreeing with its terms. Others initially agreed but have since taken up arms again, while new recruits have joined the dissident ranks either voluntarily or under coercion, explained Rodrigo Botero, director of The Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development (FCDS).
With approximately 3,500 members, EMC is currently Colombia’s third-largest armed group. “This group is the most directly responsible for deforestation in the last five years,” Botero said. “More than half a million hectares have been lost in their control zones.”
Over the past year, EMC issued orders to local populations to suspend deforestation activities, but this year they have increased deforestation once again, Botero noted.
Colombia’s Amazon covers more than 40% of the country—an area roughly the size of Spain—and is home to the world’s largest bird biodiversity. However, according to FCDS, 15% of the Colombian Amazon has already been deforested.
Reference(s):
Armed groups hinder Colombia in curbing deforestation, report says
cgtn.com
