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? 🤔🌐
