Colombia’s deforestation increased by 35% in 2024, reverting from a 23-year low. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad reported that deforestation reached 1,070 square kilometers, driven mainly by operations involving organized crime in the Amazon. As Colombia prepares for COP16 negotiations, it faces additional challenges from frozen U.S. funding and ongoing internal political conflicts.
Colombia, the host of COP16, has reported a notable 35% increase in deforestation in 2024, marking a rise from the previous year’s 23-year low. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad announced that deforestation reached 1,070 square kilometers (413 square miles) in the past year, following a decrease to 792 square kilometers in 2023. This alarming trend has been particularly pronounced in the Amazon region, where deforestation increased by over 50% to 680 square kilometers compared to the prior year.
Minister Muhamad attributed the rise in deforestation to medium-sized operations financed by substantial capital investments, which are increasingly linked to organized crime rather than rural communities. While the reported figure comes with a margin of error between 5% and 10%, a final report will be released later this year. Despite this increase, the 2024 deforestation figure remains one of the lowest recorded over the last two decades, being the second-lowest in this period, according to Muhamad.
As Colombia prepares to host resumed COP16 negotiations from February 25 to 27 in Rome, key issues such as funding for biodiversity and disputes over fund administration are expected to occupy the agenda. Many developing countries are expressing concerns regarding the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) management of biodiversity funds, citing bureaucratic hurdles that prevent them from accessing necessary support.
Additionally, Colombia’s deforestation challenges have been exacerbated by fiscal setbacks; $70 million in environmental funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is currently frozen due to budget cuts initiated during President Donald Trump’s administration. These developments are anticipated to have significant long-term impacts, particularly in the Amazon region. Furthermore, Minister Muhamad announced her resignation from President Gustavo Petro’s cabinet, voicing opposition to the appointment of Armando Benedetti amidst allegations of inappropriate conduct.
In summary, Colombia’s deforestation has surged by 35% in 2024 compared to last year’s lows, driven largely by criminal operations and significantly impacting the Amazon region. As the country prepares to address biodiversity funding at the upcoming COP16 talks, the implications of frozen U.S. aid and internal political challenges complicate the scenario. Despite these issues, the current deforestation figures still rank among the lowest in the past 23 years, highlighting both ongoing efforts and pressing challenges ahead.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
