Deforestation in Colombia declined by 33% during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with tree loss reduced to 27,052 hectares, the Environment Ministry announced on Thursday. This progress is largely attributed to strengthened collaboration with local communities and an expanded presence of both government institutions and the Armed Forces in vulnerable areas.

As one of the world’s most ecologically rich nations, Colombia hosts a vast array of unique plant and animal species. However, it has long battled significant forest loss, primarily driven by illegal logging, agriculture, and land-grabbing.

The ministry credited recent efforts to build agreements with local populations and enforce territorial protections as key factors in slowing forest destruction in the country’s biodiverse regions.