Deforestation in Colombia fell 36% in 2023, the government said.
FILE - An illegal gold mining operation that contributed to deforestation is visible in Magui Payan, Colombia, April 20, 2021. The mine was among targets for destruction by National Police and soldiers in a crackdown against mining. Deforestation in Colombia fell 36% in 2023 versus the previous year, the government said in a press conference on Monday, July 8, 2024, marking the lowest level since records began.
The decrease “means that 44,262 hectares of forest stopped being cut down,” Environment Minister Susana Muhamad told journalists. “It is very good news, but we definitely cannot say that the battle is won. We continue to confront illicit economies."in the Amazon by limiting agribusiness expansion into the forest and by creating reserves where Indigenous communities and others are allowed to harvest rubber, acai and other non-timber forest products.
Environmental experts over past years have said the decrease in deforestation was also likely tied to orders from dissident groups of FARC guerrillas forbidding deforestation. Muhamad said Monday the strong presence of government armed forces in these areas as well as progress made with peace talks will be key to maintaining a downward trend.
But next year's figures don't look as promising. A significant rise in deforestation has already been recorded due to the effects of dry weather caused by El Nino, Muhamad said, which is a weather phenomenon that warms the central Pacific. Mass cattle ranching, drug crops and illegal mining and logging continue to drive deforestation in the Andean nation, Muhamad said.
The data was released as Colombia ramps up to host the COP16 United Nations biodiversity summit in the southwestern city of Cali starting Oct. 21.The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’sCopyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
World News Gustavo Petro Environment
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Deforestation in Colombia fell to historic lows in 2023, environment minister saysDeforestation in Colombia fell 36% in 2023, the government said.
Read more »
Deforestation in Colombia fell to historic lows in 2023, environment minister saysDeforestation in Colombia fell 36% in 2023, the government said. It's the lowest level since record-keeping began, and continues a plunge since leftist President Gustavo Petro was elected in 2022.
Read more »
Ohio State’s Top 36 Athletes of 2023-24Record-setting receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and national champions Jesse Mendez, JJ Tracy, Katelyn Abeln and Lyle Yost lead our list of Ohio State’s top 36 athletes of 2023-24.
Read more »
Missing in Houston: St. Patrick’s Day disappearance of Michael LeahyMichael Leahy, 36, disappeared on St. Patrick’s Day 2023, leaving his family desperate for answers.
Read more »
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Price Slashed To $29,000 For LeasesThe 2023 model can be lease for as little as $369 per month for 36 months
Read more »
Female bodybuilder Cintia Goldani dead at 36 after bout with pneumoniaThe world of competitive bodybuilding recently received sad news.
Read more »