The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia issued a resolution regulating Law 2173 of 2021, establishing that all medium and large companies must plant at least two trees per employee per year.
The measure is part of the creation of the so-called Life Areas, spaces dedicated to ecological restoration and the conservation of native species in all the municipalities of the country.
Life Areas: restoration with citizen participation
The Life Areas will be delimited by the mayors in coordination with the environmental authorities, and must be officially registered in the Single Registry of Ecosystems and Environmental Areas (REAA).
These zones will be dedicated to the planting, conservation, and monitoring of native species, prioritizing areas of high environmental value such as:
- Water sources and water rounds
- Wetlands
- Areas of the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP)
- The Biosphere Reserve of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina
- Other areas of ecological importance
Corporate and citizen responsibility
The resolution establishes that:
- Medium and large companies must participate in planting days, develop restoration plans, and submit compliance reports.
- Citizens who participate will receive the certificate “Plant Life Good Citizen”.
- Companies will obtain the certificate “Plant Life Corporate”, both free and valid for one year.
- These certificates certify the planting as a contribution to carbon footprint compensation and promote shared environmental responsibility.
Inclusion of indigenous communities and public consultation
The document recognizes the autonomy of indigenous communities in defining environmental guidelines and the sustainable management of forests.
Additionally, the Ministry of Environment guaranteed social participation through two rounds of public consultation:
- First consultation: June-July 2024, with more than 1,000 contributions from citizens, companies, and academia.
- Second consultation: August-September 2025, with 769 additional comments.
This process seeks to ensure the legal and social legitimacy of the norm.
Environmental benefits of planting trees
Trees are essential for the health of the planet and human life. Among their main contributions are:
- Production of oxygen and air purification
- Climate regulation by absorbing CO₂ and mitigating global warming
- Water management: aquifer recharge and flood reduction
- Soil conservation: prevention of erosion and desertification
- Biodiversity: habitat and food for more than two-thirds of terrestrial species
Social and economic benefits
Beyond the environmental impact, tree planting generates direct benefits for communities:
- Essential resources: wood, food, medicines
- Public health: stress reduction, improved well-being, and disease prevention
- Economic well-being: boost to ecotourism, job creation, and poverty reduction
A step towards Colombia World Power of Life
The measure is part of the National Development Plan “Colombia World Power of Life”, which seeks to consolidate the country as a reference in ecological restoration, forest management, and the fight against deforestation.
With this resolution, Colombia articulates citizen action and corporate responsibility as pillars of sustainable development, demonstrating that reforestation and environmental education are key to addressing climate change and ensuring a greener future.
