BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia saw a 33% drop in deforestation in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year , the environment ministry said Thursday, citing stronger community coordination and a crackdown on environmental crime.

Speaking at a press conference, Environment Minister Lena Estrada Añokazi said deforestation fell from 40,219 hectares in early 2024 to 27,000 hectares this year. The government identified 18 active deforestation hot spots , including 13 in the Amazon and others in regions like Catatumbo, Arauca and the Pacific north.

“In the Amazon’s national parks, deforestation dropped by 54% ... which is a very good result,” Estrada said, highlighting gains in Amazonian parks Tinigua, Chiribiquete and La Macarena.

The Amazon remains Colombia’s most a

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