Bogota, Colombia (AP) – Colombia recorded a 33% decline in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last yearThe Ministry of the Environment stated on Thursday and stronger Community coordination and intervention against the environment in the environment.
At a press conference, the Minister of the Environment Lena Estrada Añokazi said that deforestation fell from 40,219 hectares at the beginning of 2024 to 27,000 hectares this year. The government has identified 18 active deforestation of hot spotsIncluding 13 in Amazon and others in regions such as Catatumbo, Arauca and Pacific North.
“In Amazon National Parks, deforestation fell by 54% … which is a very good result,” said Estrada, emphasizing the profits in the Amazon parks of Tinigua, Chiribiquete and La Macarena.
The Amazon remains the most affected region of Colombia and represents 69% of the deforestation of the country. Department – the main administrative division of Colombia – Meta, Caqueta and Guaviare have seen the biggest decline, while Pumayo has slightly increased.
Estrada attributed a decline in the government’s integrated plan to reduce deforestation, which includes community agreements, institutional strengthening and joint operations with the Ministry of Defense and the General Prosecutor.
A recent report by the General Inspector Colombia noted that while deforestation has reduced overall, pressure on the protected area It remains intense, with illegal cultivation of coca and unregulated mining advancing to national parks. The independent guard dog said that between October 2024 and March 2025, almost 88,900 hectares of forest were lost to the national country, most of which in areas for environmental protection.
The Minister said the efforts led to key arrests, including individuals linked to the environmental sector.
Looking forward, Estrada outlined the land -use action plan for further involvement of local and indigenous authorities. A series of regional meetings will start in June, starting with Villavicencio with Amazon and Orinoquia leaders.
Deforestation in Colombia is mostly driven by the grading of soil, illegal road construction, ranching of cattle, illegal mining and coca cultivation, raw component for cocaine production.
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(Tagstotranslate) deforestation
