Bogota, Colombia (AP) – Colombia had a 33% fall in deforestation in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the Ministry of Environment said, citing a stronger community coordination and a suppression of environmental crime. Environment Minister Lena Estrada Añokazi said at a press conference that deforestation had fallen from 40.219 hectares in early 2024 to 27,000 hectares this year. The government has identified 18 active deforestation of the deforestation, including 13 in the Amazon and others in regions such as Catatumbo, Arauca and the Pacific. “In the National Parks of the Amazon, deforestation dropped 54% … which is a very good result,” said Estrada, emphasizing the profits in the Amazon Parks Tinigua, Chiribiquete and La Macarena. The Amazon remains Colombia’s most affected region, which accounts for 69% of the country’s deforestation. The departments – the most important administrative divisions of Colombia – of Meta, Caquetá and Guaviare saw the biggest declines, while Putumayo had a slight increase. Estrada attributes the decline to the government’s integrated plan to combat deforestation, which includes community agreements, institutional reinforcement and joint activities with the Ministry of Defense and Attorney General. In a recent report by the Inspector -General of Colombia, it was noted that although deforestation generally dropped, the pressure on protected areas remains intense, with illegal Coca cultivation and unregulated mining progressing to national parks. The independent watchdog said that between October 2024 and March 2025, nearly 88,900 hectares of bush nationwide were lost, much of it in areas designated for environmental conservation. The minister said the efforts led to important arrests, including individuals linked to the environmental sector. Looking forward, estrada set out a territorial action plan to further involve local and indigenous authorities. A series of regional meetings will begin in June, and start in Villavicencio with Amazon and Orinoquia leaders. Deforestation in Colombia is mostly powered by land grabs, illegal road building, livestock farming, illegal mining and coca cultivation, the raw ingredient to produce cocaine. – The Associated Press’s climate and environmental cover receives financial support from various private foundations. AP is exclusively responsible for all content. Search AP’s standards for collaboration with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at ap.org.
Colombia reports 33% fall in deforestation in early 2025, with great progress in Amazon Parks | Today news
