Deforestation in Colombia increased slightly in 2025, with the country losing 119,483 hectares (295,000 acres) of forest, an area roughly the size of Los Angeles, according to the latest figures released by Colombia’s Environment Ministry and the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). The loss represents a 5% increase compared with 2024, highlighting the continued challenges of protecting the Amazon rainforest despite years of conservation efforts. However, officials stressed that annual forest loss remains 31% lower than 2021 levels, exceeding President Gustavo Petro’s target of reducing deforestation by at least 20% during his administration.

The report provides a mixed picture, showing progress against long-term goals while underlining the persistent threats posed by illegal land grabbing, cattle ranching and expanding infrastructure.

Colombia Surpasses Long-Term Forest Protection Target

Although forest loss increased modestly in 2025, the government pointed out that deforestation remains significantly below the baseline recorded in 2021.

President Gustavo Petro, who leaves office next week, made Amazon conservation a central part of his environmental agenda. His administration introduced policies to strengthen forest protection, including a landmark cattle traceability law designed to prevent beef linked to illegal deforestation from entering supply chains.

Officials also credited greater cooperation with rural communities and expanded conservation incentives for helping reduce long-term forest loss.

Key Highlights from Colombia’s 2025 Deforestation Report

The figures show that while progress has been made over the longer term, forest clearing remains well above the historic low achieved in 2023.

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Amazon Continues to Face Heavy Pressure

• The report found that more than 65% of national forest loss occurred in the Colombian Amazon, where 77,805 hectares were cleared in 2025, virtually unchanged from the previous year.
• Authorities identified 10 active deforestation hotspots, primarily concentrated in the northwestern Amazon.
• Municipalities including Cartagena del Chairá, Mapiripán, San Vicente del Caguán and Calamar continue to experience high rates of forest clearing, largely driven by illegal land occupation following the 2016 peace agreement with the former FARC guerrilla group.

The government says the main causes of deforestation remain illegal land grabbing, extensive cattle ranching and unplanned road construction, rather than coca cultivation.

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Stronger Enforcement and Community Conservation

While deforestation in Colombia increased slightly in 2025, officials highlighted several positive developments.

• A major law enforcement operation in Mapiripán resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals allegedly connected to criminal networks involved in illegal land grabbing and large-scale deforestation.
• The government also reported a 19% decline in deforestation inside national parks, attributing the improvement to community-based conservation payments, forest restoration programmes and Colombia’s first forestry concession, which gives rural communities long-term rights to sustainably manage public forests.

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A Critical Challenge for the Incoming Government

The latest figures establish an important benchmark for President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who has pledged to expand oil and mining activities while reviewing several of the outgoing administration’s environmental policies.

Although Colombia has exceeded its long-term forest protection target, maintaining those gains will require continued action against illegal deforestation networks while balancing economic development with conservation. With the Amazon remaining under sustained pressure, the country’s next phase of environmental policy will play a crucial role in determining whether recent progress can be preserved in the years ahead.

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