Deforestation and degradation are key drivers of forest transformation in Colombia. This report examines two case studies: deforestation in Guaviare (Amazon) and forest degradation in the middle Atrato River (Vigía del Fuerte, Pacific), focusing on governance challenges in implementing public policies to address these issues.
Key points on deforestation in Guaviare:
- The deforestation rate is rapid (80% of the department deforested in 38 years).
- Direct causes have evolved, from the rubber and leather booms to farming expansion and coca cultivation.
- Underlying causes include land access and state-building through land colonization.
- Land tenure insecurity plays a critical role in deforestation.
- Deforestation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Key points on forest degradation in the middle Atrato River:
- Degradation occurs slowly (2% of the municipality affected in 38 years).
- Despite land tenure security under collective territories, territorial conflicts and armed groups highlight local, regional, and national governance issues.
- Although less extensive than deforestation, forest degradation also contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions.