logo
Colombia lost huge area to deforestation in 6 months, public watchdog report warns

Colombia lost huge area to deforestation in 6 months, public watchdog report warns

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia lost nearly 88,900 hectares (340 square miles) of forest — an area larger than New York City — in just six months, driven by the rapid spread of illegal roads, coca cultivation, and unregulated mining, according to a report by Colombia's procurator's office.
The independent watchdog warned of accelerating environmental destruction in some of the country's most ecologically critical regions.
The report, released Monday, covers the period between October 2024 and March 2025 and focuses on seven high-risk areas including Caqueta, Guaviare, Putumayo, and Meta — southern departments that form part of the Amazon basin and are vital to Colombia's biodiversity and freshwater systems.
Investigators documented more than 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) of illegal road construction, much of it cutting into national parks like Chiribiquete, Nukak, and Farallones de Cali. These roads often enable the transport of illegal goods and open new fronts for forest clearance.
'The construction of these routes would consolidate a terrestrial corridor that would significantly facilitate the development and consolidation of illicit economies and environmental damage in the region,' the report says.
While coca crops remain the primary driver of deforestation — particularly in Meta, Putumayo, and the Naya River region — the report also highlights illegal gold mining as a growing threat. In Buenaventura's rural zone near the Naya River, investigators found heavy machinery operating near Indigenous reserves and inside protected areas, with roadwork connecting the region to trafficking routes toward the Pacific Ocean.
Caqueta experienced the greatest forest loss, with nearly 30,000 hectares (115 square miles) deforested, followed by Guaviare and Putumayo. Much of the damage occurred near Indigenous territories and vital ecological corridors crucial for wildlife. The report also highlighted land grabbing and speculative vegetation removal — done to claim land or boost its value without immediate use — as growing threats to the region.
Authorities are urged to investigate the legality of new roads and issue immediate closure orders where appropriate.
Last year, Colombia's government reported that deforestation fell 36% in 2023 versus the previous year, marking the lowest level since records began. However, 2024 saw a 35% surge, fueled by an uptick in the Amazon region.
Colombia's environment ministry had not responded to a request for comment on the report by the time of publication.
___
The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Russia drones hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine
Russia drones hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine

Toronto Star

time44 minutes ago

  • Toronto Star

Russia drones hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces launched a large-scale drone assault across Ukraine overnight, with 85 Shahed-type drones and decoy UAVs targeting the northeastern city of Kharkiv and other areas, the Ukrainian Air Force reported Tuesday. Air defense systems intercepted 40 of the drones, and nine more were lost from radar or jammed. One of the hardest-hit areas was Kharkiv, where 17 attack drones struck two residential districts between 12:31 a.m. and 12:40 a.m. local time, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'Those are ordinary sites of peaceful life — those that should never be targeted,' Terekhov wrote on Telegram. Two people were confirmed killed and at least 57 injured, including seven children, according to the regional head Oleh Syniehubov. Emergency crews, municipal workers and volunteers worked through the night to extinguish fires, rescue residents from burning homes, and restore gas, electricity and water service. The strikes also caused widespread destruction in the Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, hitting apartment buildings, private homes, playgrounds, industrial sites and public transport. Images from the scene published by Ukraine's Emergency Service on Telegram showed burning apartments, shattered windows and firefighters battling the blaze. Kharkiv has been targeted frequently in recent months as Russian launches intense drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure. 'We stand strong. We help one another. And we will endure,' Terekhov said. 'Kharkiv is Ukraine. And it cannot be broken.'

Russia drones hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine
Russia drones hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine

Winnipeg Free Press

timean hour ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Russia drones hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces launched a large-scale drone assault across Ukraine overnight, with 85 Shahed-type drones and decoy UAVs targeting the northeastern city of Kharkiv and other areas, the Ukrainian Air Force reported Tuesday. Air defense systems intercepted 40 of the drones, and nine more were lost from radar or jammed. One of the hardest-hit areas was Kharkiv, where 17 attack drones struck two residential districts between 12:31 a.m. and 12:40 a.m. local time, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. 'Those are ordinary sites of peaceful life — those that should never be targeted,' Terekhov wrote on Telegram. Two people were confirmed killed and at least 57 injured, including seven children, according to the regional head Oleh Syniehubov. Emergency crews, municipal workers and volunteers worked through the night to extinguish fires, rescue residents from burning homes, and restore gas, electricity and water service. The strikes also caused widespread destruction in the Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, hitting apartment buildings, private homes, playgrounds, industrial sites and public transport. Images from the scene published by Ukraine's Emergency Service on Telegram showed burning apartments, shattered windows and firefighters battling the blaze. Kharkiv has been targeted frequently in recent months as Russian launches intense drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure. 'We stand strong. We help one another. And we will endure,' Terekhov said. 'Kharkiv is Ukraine. And it cannot be broken.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store