Colombia deforestation saw a significant decline in 2023, dropping 36% to its lowest level in 23 years, according to the country's environment ministry.

This decline is largely attributed to reduced environmental destruction in the Amazon region, a critical area for global biodiversity, according to Reuters.

The total deforestation area nationwide decreased to just over 792 square kilometers in 2023, down from approximately 1,235 square kilometers in 2022.

Colombia, renowned for its vast array of plant and animal species, faces ongoing challenges from deforestation, a common issue across the region.

President Gustavo Petro's administration has prioritized environmental protection, advocating for international support to alleviate foreign debt in exchange for preserving key regions like the Amazon.

Despite progress, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad emphasized that the battle against deforestation is far from over, cautioning against complacency.

"It's really good news ... but we definitely cannot say that the battle is won," Muhamad told journalists in Colombia's capital, Bogota.

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Government Efforts and Challenges

Environmental experts suggest that the reduction in deforestation may also be linked to directives from dissident groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which have prohibited deforestation activities.

Muhamad highlighted the importance of sustained government presence in affected areas and ongoing peace negotiations to maintain this downward trend, Aljazeera reports.

However, Muhamad warned in April 2024 that deforestation rates had risen due to dry conditions exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Colombia, along with other South American nations, has committed to protecting the Amazon through joint efforts aimed at sustainable development and combating related organized crimes.

President Gustavo Petro, elected in 2022, pledged to curb Colombia deforestation by limiting agricultural expansion into forests and establishing reserves where Indigenous communities and others can sustainably harvest non-timber forest products like rubber and acai.

These efforts, coupled with advancing peace talks and incentives for conservation-minded farmers, contributed to the significant reduction in 2023.

Regional and Global Context

Colombia shares deforestation challenges like neighboring Brazil, driven by activities such as cattle ranching, drug cultivation, and illegal mining.

The involvement of dissident FARC groups in prohibiting deforestation in certain regions also played a role in the observed decline, according to environmental experts.

The environmental ministry's report highlighted substantial reductions in Colombia deforestation within Amazonian provinces, notably a 50% decrease in Caqueta province.

Despite surpassing their deforestation reduction targets, both the government and advocacy groups cautioned that the situation remains fragile and susceptible to various environmental and economic factors.

While Colombia celebrates a notable achievement in reducing deforestation in 2023, ongoing vigilance and continued efforts are crucial to sustain these gains.

The upcoming COP16 UN biodiversity summit in Cali underscores Colombia's commitment to global environmental stewardship and the challenges that lie ahead in protecting one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Deforestation in Colombia dropped by 29 percent, a milestone - From Al Jazeera English