Colombia's 2025 deforestation falls to two-decade low despite slight rise

Colombia lost 119,483 hectares of forest in 2025, a 31% drop from the 2021 baseline of 174,000 hectares and meeting the government's target of a 20% annual reduction for the fourth consecutive year. The figure represents a 5% increase over 2024, when 113,608 hectares were cleared.

The Amazon region accounted for 77,805 hectares (65% of the total), virtually unchanged from the previous year. The departments with the highest losses were Caquetá (Cartagena del Chairá, 16,983 ha), Meta (Mapiripán, 6,782 ha), Caquetá again (San Vicente del Caguán, 5,976 ha) and Guaviare (Calamar, 5,755 ha). Deforestation inside national parks fell 19% to 9,388 hectares.

The government identified land grabbing for cattle ranching and unplanned infrastructure as the main drivers, not illicit crops. President Gustavo Petro's green agenda, launched in 2022, has overseen the overall decline, though the slight rise comes as his administration ends. Programs such as Conservar Paga and a new cattle‑traceability law were cited as mitigation measures, while the incoming administration of President‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella will inherit the challenge.