Colombian Amazon deforestation surges as armed groups tighten grip

Deforestation and the destruction of habitats in Amazon, Colombia, as seen in March 2023. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Deforestation in the Colombian Amazon is surging and could be at a historic peak as armed groups use the rainforest as a bargaining chip in peace negotiations with the government.

Preliminary data shows that deforestation in the region was 40% higher in the first three months of this year than in 2023 as armed groups tightened their control over the rainforest, said Susana Muhamad, the country’s environment minister.