The drop in deforestation comes amid efforts to guard the important Amazon rainforest after years of report destruction.
Deforestation in Colombia fell 36 p.c in 2023 in contrast with the earlier yr, the nation’s atmosphere ministry mentioned, as President Gustavo Petro’s authorities works to halt report destruction within the Amazon.
In an announcement launched Monday, the Setting Ministry mentioned deforestation fell to only over 792 sq. kilometers (305 sq. miles) in Colombia final yr, down from about 1,235 sq. kilometers (477 sq. miles) in 2022.
“It is rather excellent news, however we can not positively say that the battle is received. We proceed to face illicit economies,” Setting Minister Susana Muhamad advised reporters within the capital, Bogotá.
In Colombia’s Amazon area particularly – historically the driving force of the nationwide determine – deforestation fell 38 p.c to about 443 sq. kilometers (171 sq. miles), down from about 712 sq. kilometers (275 sq. miles) in 2022.
When elected in 2022, Petro promised to prioritize environmental safety and halt Amazon deforestation by limiting the growth of agribusiness within the rainforest, amongst different measures.
The leftist chief has additionally known as on wealthy nations to cancel overseas debt in trade for preserving areas such because the Amazon, whose destruction scientists say might worsen the worldwide local weather disaster.
Progress in peace talks between the federal government and armed teams within the area, together with monetary incentives for Amazon farmers to assist with conservation, helped drive deforestation to a 23-year low final yr.
It got here after deforestation had fallen by round 29 p.c in 2022.
Environmental specialists have mentioned the decline in deforestation was additionally doubtless linked to orders from dissident teams of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) fighters banning deforestation.
Setting Minister Muhamad mentioned Monday that the sturdy presence of presidency forces in these areas, in addition to progress in peace talks, could be key to sustaining the downward development.
Regardless of the decline, nonetheless, Muhamad warned in April that deforestation had elevated in 2024 amid dry situations exacerbated by a powerful El Niño climate phenomenon.
In August 2023, Colombia was considered one of a number of South American nations that agreed to launch an alliance to guard the Amazon.
Along with Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, the nation signed a joint declaration that units out an almost 10,000-word roadmap to advertise sustainable growth, finish deforestation and fight the organised crime that fuels it.
Colombia will host the United Nations biodiversity summit COP16 within the metropolis of Cali later this yr.
