2024-04-13 18:38:02
The Minister of the Environment, Susana Muhamad, has denounced that threats and coercion by armed groups to the presidents of boards and officials of the National Environmental System are becoming obstacles to programs aimed at combating deforestation in Colombia.
During a presentation on early warnings of deforestation in the Colombian Amazon, Muhamad revealed that projections for the year 2023 indicate an approximate 49% reduction in deforestation. YeahHowever, he warned that this percentage could range between 25% and 35% due, mainly, to the El Niño phenomenon.
The head of the environmental portfolio highlighted that, by 2023, only 7% of the estimated deforestation will be concentrated in the National Natural Parks of the Colombian Amazon, which underlines the urgency of strengthening protection measures in these areas.
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Given the increase in deforestation in the first quarter of 2024, Muhamad pointed out two main factors: coercion by illegal armed groups in the area and the El Niño phenomenon. He explained that, in departments such as Meta and Caquetá, colonization directed by unidentified actors is being observed, which is contributing to the increase in deforestation.
In addition, Muhamad reported on the restriction of access to officials of the National Environmental System in certain areas and the territorial dispute with illegal armed groups, which is making it difficult to implement programs to combat deforestation.
The minister highlighted the importance of protecting community leaders and environmental officials who work in these areas and announced that cases of threats will be reported to the peace process verification organizations.
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