The deforestation in Colombia It is a problem that has repeatedly generated a great impact on the environment and biodiversity. In recent years, the country has lost 1.3 million hectares of forests, placing it in tenth place globally in deforestation.
Recent studies have determined that approximately half of the forest ecosystems in the country are in danger or critical state of deforestation. 665 plant species threatened with extinction, and in terms of animal species, 41 are critically endangered, 112 threatened and 131 vulnerable.
Deforestation in Colombia is caused by the increase in agricultural borders, specifically extensive cattle ranching and illegal crops, as well as by population growth or internal migration, illegal logging, forest fires and mining activity and its infrastructure..
The loss of forest ecosystems and forests affects the supply and availability of water for human consumption and industry. In the current scenario of growing demand for water resources, deforestation constitutes a serious threat of shortages in the main populated centers.
Institutional reports indicate that the greatest deforestation problem occurs in the Amazon region (65.5%), followed by the Andes Mountains (17.0%), the Caribbean region (7.10%), the Pacific coast (6.10%) and the Orinoquia (4.50%).
Deforestation promotes negative impacts, such as increased natural risks -floods or landslides-, erosion and sedimentation of water accounts.
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The agents identified as causing deforestation are numerous in this country. These favor the expansion of agricultural borders -licite and illicit-, colonization, illegal mining, timber extraction and forest fires..
They are the peasants, settlers and small farmers, medium and large-scale producers established in rural areas.
Includes extensive cattle ranching for productive purposes up to local productions that try to guarantee land tenure.
Agents engaged in mining exploitation legally and illegally. These have a great impact both in the exploitation area and in the construction of access roads..
The presence of armed groups intervenes in the transformation processes of forest ecosystems. Their presence encourages the establishment of illicit crops, uncontrolled deforestation and the abandonment of land due to internal migration..
The deforestation process is directly related to the transformation of land cover, being the result of direct or underlying actions on forest ecosystems.
The expansion of agricultural frontiers, indiscriminate logging, forest fires and the concession of forests in grasslands contribute to deforestation; as well as new settlements, road construction, illegal mining, obtaining firewood or charcoal, and illicit crops.
They are related to human activities that affect the environment:
They refer to the social factors that influence the direct causes of deforestation:
In Colombia an average of 20 hectares of primary forests are currently lost every hour. Mainly in the departments of Antioquia, Caquetá, Chocó, Guaviare, Meta and Norte de Santander.
These rates of reduction of forest resources represent the highest rate in recent years.
Forests act as storage media for water resources. Its preservation contributes to the protection against landslides and floods in areas where edaphoclimatic conditions are susceptible..
The deterioration of forests has a decisive influence on the loss of biodiversity and the deterioration of ecosystems, creating a problem for local people who benefit from natural services that are the source of well-being and local economy..
In recent years, lowland forests have substantially deforested, with a net reduction of 15%, generating as a consequence climatic, socio-economic and political disturbances that affect the quality of life of their inhabitants..
The search for the necessary mechanisms to face the problem of deforestation constitutes a challenge to the governmental institutions and Colombian society. Managing forests and reducing the impact of deforestation requires an efficient regulatory framework at the institutional level.
Currently there is a regulation that through efficient use would allow solving the problem in the short term. These guidelines include mechanisms for conservation, use of forest resources and institutional strengthening..
The implementation of geographic information systems -GIS- is vital to identify vulnerable areas. In this way, it is possible to carry out periodic monitoring, apply recovery programs and evaluate efforts..
It is necessary to apply a system of sustainable exploitation of forest resources reducing illegal logging of forests, being necessary to enforce the land use plans, extraction and marketing methods, promoting forest plantations.
Coordination and integration of government entities in charge of forestry in the country is necessary, as well as the application and execution of public policies, regulations and standards that promote comprehensive forest exploitation.
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