Colombia has made significant strides in preserving its lush landscapes, reporting the lowest deforestation rates in 23 years. President Gustavo Petro announced a remarkable 36 percent decrease in deforestation for 2023, marking a crucial win for the Amazon rainforest.
The environment ministry highlighted that nationally, deforestation fell to just over 792 square kilometers last year, a substantial reduction from the previous year. In the heart of the Amazon, deforestation rates plunged by 38 percent, showcasing the effectiveness of Colombia’s conservation efforts.
President Petro emphasized the importance of these gains on social media, stating, \"It's the lowest level of deforestation in 23 years. We must get to zero to maintain the lungs of the planet.\"
These positive trends are largely attributed to a government initiative that compensates farmers for conserving natural areas instead of clearing them for agriculture. Additionally, peace talks with guerrilla groups have contributed to decreased deforestation in certain regions.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad warned of a potential 40 percent increase in deforestation in early 2024, driven by dry weather conditions linked to the El-Nino phenomenon.
Looking ahead, Colombia is set to host the COP16 biodiversity conference in October, an event that could further bolster global efforts to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability.
The environment ministry identified the main drivers of deforestation in Colombia as extensive livestock practices, unplanned transport infrastructure, illicit crops, illegal mineral extraction, and logging.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
