Deforestation in Colombia has surged by 35% in 2024, primarily in the Amazon region, according to Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. The deforestation has been largely attributed to organized crime rather than rural communities. The country is facing challenges in securing funding for biodiversity, leading to concerns as it hosts upcoming UN nature talks in Rome. Muhamad also announced her resignation amid political controversies.
Colombia, the host of COP16, has announced a troubling 35% increase in deforestation for 2024, rising from a 23-year low recorded in the previous year. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad disclosed that this increase is primarily attributed to activities in the Amazon region. As the country prepares to oversee UN nature talks next week in Rome, the latest figures reveal deforestation covering 1,070 square kilometers last year, compared to just over 792 square kilometers in 2023 and approximately 1,235 square kilometers in 2022.
Muhamad stated, “What we’ve seen is an increase in 2024 in medium-sized patches of deforestation that involves operations paid for with large capital,” emphasizing the influence of organized crime over rural communities in this escalation. The current statistics carry a margin of error of 5% to 10%, and a final report will be released later this year. Colombia’s biodiversity is under threat, as the nation continues to lose vast forest areas annually.
During the resumed COP16 negotiations scheduled from February 25 to 27, critical discussions will center on funding mechanisms for biodiversity conservation. There are ongoing debates over the administration of the biodiversity fund, with several developing countries criticizing the Global Environment Facility for its bureaucratic constraints that hinder access to essential funds. Despite the rise in deforestation, the figure for 2024 remains the second-lowest in the past 23 years, according to Muhamad.
The Amazon region has witnessed an alarming deforestation increase of over 50% compared to 2023, covering 680 square kilometers, as most of Colombia’s deforestation historically occurs there. Furthermore, Muhamad highlighted a concerning freeze of $70 million in environmental funding allocated from the U.S. Agency for International Development due to political influences from the previous U.S. administration. This funding freeze will predominantly affect the Amazon region’s conservation efforts.
Adding to the climate of uncertainty, Muhamad recently announced her resignation from President Gustavo Petro’s government. Her departure was prompted by her opposition to the appointment of Armando Benedetti to the cabinet, due to allegations of violence against women and influence peddling. Benedetti, however, has denied these accusations and asserted that misinformation is being circulated about him.
In summary, the recent surge in deforestation in Colombia serves as a significant concern as the country prepares to host the COP16 negotiations. The rise, particularly in the Amazon region, highlights the challenges posed by organized crime and insufficient environmental funding. The upcoming talks will likely address critical funding issues necessary for biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the political landscape remains volatile with key resignations impacting the government’s direction on environmental policies.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
