BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (AP) — In just a span of six months, Colombia has lost 88,900 hectares (340 square miles) of forest, primarily due to the rapid expansion of illegal roads, coca cultivation, and unchecked mining activities, according to reports from Colombian prosecutors.
The independent watchdog has raised alarms over the intensified environmental devastation occurring in some of the nation’s most ecologically significant areas.
Published on Monday, the report examines the timeframe from October 2024 to March 2025 and zeroes in on seven high-risk regions, including Caquetá, Guaviare, Putumayo, and Meta.
Investigators documented over 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) of unlawful road construction, much of which has intruded into national parks like Kiribique, Nukaku, and Faralon de Kali. These roads often facilitate the transport of illegal goods and pave the way for further forest clearance.
“The development of these routes will create terrestrial corridors that can significantly bolster the expansion of the illegal economy and lead to additional environmental harm in the region,” stated the report.
Coca cultivation remains a significant contributor to deforestation, especially in the Meta, Putumayo, and Naya River areas. However, this report highlights its role as a growing threat due to increasing illegal gold mining activities. In a rural locality in Buenaventura close to the Naya River, investigators discovered heavy machinery operating near Indigenous reserves and protected zones.
Caquetá saw the highest level of forest loss, with 30,000 hectares (115 square miles) cleared, followed closely by Guaviare and Putumayo. Much of this destruction has occurred near Indigenous territories, which host vital ecological corridors for wildlife. The report further spotlights the threat posed by land grabbing as an emerging risk to the region’s ecosystem.
Authorities must scrutinize the legality of newly constructed roads and promptly issue closure orders where warranted.
Last year, the Colombian government reported that deforestation declined by 36% compared to both 2023 and the preceding year, achieving the lowest levels since records started. Nevertheless, 2024 saw a 35% increase in deforestation in the Amazon region.
As of the time of publication, Colombia’s Ministry of the Environment had not responded to requests for comments regarding the report.
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Source: apnews.com