Armed groups in Colombia's Amazon are tightening their control over the region, undermining efforts to combat deforestation, according to a new report by The International Crisis Group. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents, known as EMC, now dictate the pace of environmental destruction in areas they dominate.
EMC’s Role in Deforestation
Rodrigo Botero, director of the Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development (FCDS), revealed that over 500,000 hectares of rainforest have vanished in EMC-controlled zones since 2018. While the group briefly ordered a deforestation halt in 2023, they’ve now reversed course, accelerating tree loss.
Biodiversity at Risk
Colombia’s Amazon—spanning 40% of the country (roughly the size of Spain!)—is home to the planet’s richest bird diversity. But 15% of this critical ecosystem has already been cleared, threatening countless species and global climate stability.
What’s Next?
With 3,500 fighters, the EMC remains Colombia’s third-largest armed group. Their shifting alliances and conflicting environmental policies complicate conservation efforts. Can Colombia’s government reclaim control before it’s too late?
Report Reveals
