Surging Deforestation Threatens Colombia's Amazon

Deforestation in Colombia increased by 43% to 113,608 hectares in 2024 compared to the previous year, primarily due to intensified forest destruction in the Amazon region, the country's environment ministry announced on Thursday.

Environment Minister Lena Estrada, speaking at a press conference in Bogota, highlighted the Amazon as the most affected area, describing it as a 'fragile territory.'

Estrada attributed last year's increase in deforestation in part to forest fires, spurred by a drought linked to climate change impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)