Colombia continues to make strides in conservation, with deforestation in 2024 projected to be among the lowest in over two decades. Despite an expected rise from 2023’s significant decline, Environment Minister Susana Muhamad highlighted that this year’s levels will still rank as the third-lowest in 23 years. Under her leadership, deforestation dropped by more than a third last year, thanks to strengthened environmental policies and conservation efforts.
Though challenges such as drought and illegal activities persist, Colombia’s progress signals a commitment to protecting its forests. Muhamad, who recently announced her resignation, takes pride in her work on deforestation and the UN COP16 biodiversity summit. The summit led to groundbreaking agreements on corporate responsibility for genetic resource use, setting a precedent for global conservation efforts. As Colombia prepares for further biodiversity negotiations in Rome, its environmental progress remains a beacon of hope for sustainable development.