Deforestation rates in Colombia experienced a 36% decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, as noted by the country's environmental ministry amid President Gustavo Petro's initiatives to curb the unprecedented destruction in the Amazon.

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In a recent announcement, the Environment Ministry disclosed that deforestation decreased to slightly over 792 square kilometers (305 square miles) countrywide last year, down from approximately 1,235 sq km (477 sq miles) in 2022.

Environment Minister Susana Muhamad emphasized that while the dip in deforestation is positive, the battle is far from over due to ongoing challenges with illicit economies.

Specifically in Colombia's Amazon region, which historically contributed significantly to national deforestation, there was a 38% reduction to about 443 sq km (171 square miles) from nearly 712 sq km (275 square miles) in 2022.

Upon his election in 2022, President Petro pledged to prioritize environmental conservation and halt Amazon deforestation by restricting agribusiness expansion into the rainforest, among other measures.

Furthermore, the government's efforts in advancing peace talks with armed groups in the Amazon region and providing financial incentives to farmers for conservation purposes contributed to the notable decline in deforestation last year, reaching a 23-year low.

The decrease follows a 29% drop in deforestation observed in 2022.

Experts suggest that the decrease in deforestation could also be linked to directives from dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) prohibiting deforestation.

Minister Muhamad highlighted the importance of continued government presence in affected areas and progress in peace negotiations to sustain the downward trend in deforestation.

Despite the overall decline, Muhamad cautioned in April about an increase in deforestation in 2024 due to dry conditions exacerbated by a severe El Nino weather phenomenon.

Colombia, in August 2023, was part of a coalition with other South American nations to launch a joint effort aimed at safeguarding the Amazon region.

Together with countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and others, Colombia committed to a comprehensive plan focusing on sustainable development, ending deforestation, and combating the criminal activities that drive it.

The upcoming COP16 United Nations biodiversity summit in Cali, hosted by Colombia later this year, marks another significant event in the country's conservation efforts.