Deforestation falls in Colombia
The level of deforestation in the South American country of Colombia fell 29.1% in 2022, as reported by Reuters following a statement from the Colombian government.
The level in 2022 saw deforestation fall by over 500 square kilometers to 1,235 square kilometers, falling for a second consecutive year and with the level of deforestation at its lowest since 2013.
Government ministers attributed the decrease to the work being carried out with local communities, with payments for forest protection and bringing about criminal investigations to those suspected of “financing destructive activities”.
It is thought the action of some dissident groups of FARC guerillas forbidding deforestation and burning in certain regions also helped the reduction.
Deforestation in Amazon provinces, where a majority of the activity occurs, fell significantly, with a 50% decrease in the Caqueta province alone, the environment ministry said in its report.
Image credit – Reuters - illegal road made during the deforestation of the Yari plains, in Caqueta, Colombia
