Colombia lost 119,483 hectares of forest in 2025, marking a 5% increase in nationwide deforestation compared to the previous year, according to the Environment Ministry and IDEAM, the country’s meteorological agency. While officials emphasized that total forest loss remains 31% below 2021 levels, the new data highlights ongoing challenges in the Amazon and provides a baseline for incoming President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.
Amazon Deforestation Remains Unchanged in Petro’s Final Year
More than 65% of Colombia’s total forest loss occurred in the Amazon region during 2025, according to government data. IDEAM reported that 77,805 hectares were cleared in the rainforest, a figure virtually unchanged from the 77,124 hectares cleared in 2024.
President Gustavo Petro, whose term ends next week, made rainforest protection a core pillar of his administration. Environment Minister Irene Vélez attributed the overall progress over the four-year term to increased cooperation with rural communities, broader conservation incentives, and a strategic shift away from criminalizing small-scale farmers.
Did you know? The total area deforested in Colombia in 2025—spanning 119,483 hectares (295,000 acres)—is roughly equivalent to the total geographic size of Los Angeles.
Drivers of Deforestation and National Park Declines
Government monitoring identified 10 active deforestation hot spots concentrated heavily in the northwestern Amazon. Officials noted that illegal land grabbing, the expansion of extensive cattle ranching, and unplanned road construction remain the primary drivers of forest loss.
Conversely, deforestation inside Colombia’s national parks dropped by nearly 19% year-over-year, totaling 9,388 hectares. Officials credited this specific decline to conservation payment programs for local communities, large-scale restoration initiatives, and the establishment of the country’s first forestry concession, which grants rural populations long-term rights to manage public forest lands sustainably.
Political Transitions and Criticisms Over Transparency
The release of the 2025 figures follows weeks of public criticism. Incoming Environment Minister Fabio Arjona accused the outgoing administration on X of delaying the publication of the data, alleging that officials withheld the numbers because the scenario is tragic.
The statistics now serve as an official benchmark for President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella. De la Espriella has publicly pledged to expand oil and mining development across the country while undertaking a comprehensive review of several environmental policies enacted under Petro.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hectares of forest did Colombia lose in 2025?
According to the Environment Ministry and IDEAM, Colombia lost 119,483 hectares of forest in 2025, representing a 5% increase from the previous year.
What are the main drivers of deforestation in Colombia?
Officials state that illegal land grabbing, extensive cattle ranching, and unplanned road construction are the primary causes of forest loss, rather than coca cultivation.
How did deforestation in national parks change?
Deforestation inside national parks fell by nearly 19% to 9,388 hectares, aided by community conservation programs and sustainable forestry concessions.
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