In 2024, Colombia remains one of the most dangerous countries for social and environmental activists, as well as human rights defenders. Although the celebration of COP16 was a positive aspect, the year marked the end of the deforestation reduction trend experienced in 2022 and 2023.
In the first quarter of 2024, the country lost approximately 109,000 hectares of forest, surpassing all of the deforestation in 2023.
Deforestation Factors
The forest loss in Colombia is strongly linked to illegal armed groups, mainly dissidents of the FARC, who control the Amazonian territory.
The increase in the military and territorial capacity of these groups, amidst peace negotiations, has led to serious problems such as deforestation, the protection of social and environmental leaders, and the governance of protected natural areas.
Responses and Environmental Challenges in Colombia
Late and unplanned responses to extreme climatic disasters, such as droughts and floods, were a constant in 2024.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) was involved in corruption episodes. However, the citizen participation and environmental education brought by COP16 in Cali were positive aspects.
Situation of the Amazon
In July 2024, the reduction of deforestation in 2023 was celebrated, although some experts questioned the results. Much of this reduction was due to the intervention of organized armed groups, which prohibited deforestation in rural areas of the Amazon.
However, since late 2023, these groups allowed jungle logging again due to a lack of consensus in dialogues with the government.
Issues in Indigenous Reserves
In 2024, indigenous reserves in the Amazon faced challenges such as coca crops, illegal mining, and deforestation.
Illegal routes continue to grow, affecting forest reserve areas, indigenous reserves, and protected natural areas. The lack of reaction from authorities to these problems worsens the situation.
Management and Conservation
The management of protected natural areas remains a challenge in 2024. Reports showed that several national parks face issues of mining and coca crops.
The expansion of gold mining in the Caquetá River basin has confined peasant and indigenous communities due to disputes between armed groups.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
