Colombia has cut deforestation by a third in early 2025, with the biggest progress seen in Amazon national parks.

Environment Minister Lena Estrada Añokazi says deforestation dropped from over 40,000 hectares in early 2024 to 27,000 this year. A 54% drop was reported inside protected areas like Tinigua, Chiribiquete and La Macarena.

The Amazon still accounts for nearly 70% of forest loss nationwide, but the government credits the progress to tighter enforcement and stronger community partnerships.

Eighteen hotspots were identified, most of them in the Amazon, but also in areas like Catatumbo and the Pacific north.

Colombia is also stepping up arrests tied to environmental crime. A new territorial plan will be rolled out starting this month, with meetings in Amazon and Orinoquia regions.

But threats remain. A recent watchdog report warned that illegal mining and coca farming are still advancing into protected zones. Between October and March, nearly 89,000 hectares were lost nationwide.

The main drivers of deforestation include illegal roads, land grabbing, cattle ranching and coca production — the base for cocaine.

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