In a continent where forests are a source of life, culture, and sustenance, responsible forest management is emerging as a real alternative against deforestation and illegal economies.
In Colombia, the progress driven by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) positions the country as a regional benchmark, with 216,000 certified hectares demonstrating that conserving is also progressing.
Restoration, employment, and reduction of deforestation
The community initiatives certified by the FSC in Colombia have achieved:
- Planting more than 750,000 trees
- Recovering 4,000 hectares of degraded forest
- Reducing deforestation by 38% in certified areas
- Generating 8,269 direct jobs
- Benefiting more than 8,000 families in regions such as Chocó, Amazonas, Urabá, and Santander
These achievements are the result of a process involving indigenous, peasant, and Afro-descendant communities, who previously depended on informal economies and now have access to traceable markets, safe working conditions, and international recognition.
Community certification: a historic milestone in forest recovery
In September 2025, the Forest Development Association of Woods (ASOFODEMA) became the first community organization to certify natural forest in Colombia.
This progress marks a paradigm shift in the forest sector, traditionally dominated by large industrial plantations.
“What once seemed exclusive to large companies is now a reality achieved by local communities,” highlights Daniel Bedoya, representative of FSC for Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama.
Principles, alliances, and regional vision
FSC operates under 10 principles and criteria, starting with the compliance with the legal framework in each country. In Colombia, this process has been supported by:
- Ministry of Environment
- ONF Andina, Vision Amazonia, WWF, COCOMACIA, Action Fund, and FFEM
- Regional campaign “We Connect from the Root”, which highlights the impact of forest management against climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation
Forests: pillars of life and resilience
According to Nishme Kahatt, Project Manager at FSC Latin America:
- 31% of the earth’s surface is covered by forests
- 80% of terrestrial biodiversity depends on them
- 75% of accessible fresh water comes from forest ecosystems
- 1.6 billion people depend directly on forests for their livelihood
The FSC model in Colombia demonstrates that it is possible to protect the forest, generate decent income, and strengthen territorial governance.
In a context of climate and social urgencies, responsible forest management presents itself as an integral strategy for conservation, development, and environmental justice.
