Colombia's Deforestation Falls 25% as Paying Families to Protect Forests Works
Colombia cuts deforestation by 25% by paying 5,000 families to protect forests through its Conservar Paga programme — Amazon shows particular recovery.
Paying Families to Keep Trees Standing
Colombia continues to bend the curve on deforestation, with new government data showing a 25% year-on-year reduction. Around 36,280 hectares of forest were lost in the first nine months of 2025, compared to 48,500 hectares in the same period of 2024.
The Amazon region showed particular improvement, credited in part to the Conservar Paga programme, which provides up to $240/month to 5,000 families who maintain or restore forests on their properties. The approach is elegantly simple: rather than policing forests from outside, it enlists the communities who live in them as paid guardians.
"The sustained reduction of deforestation in the Amazon is the result of collaboration between the national government and communities," the government said, citing ecological restoration, voluntary conservation agreements, and sustainable production chains.
Key Facts
- 25% year-on-year deforestation reduction (36,280 vs 48,500 hectares)
- Conservar Paga: up to $240/month to 5,000 families
- Amazon region showing particular improvement
What We Don't Know Yet
Colombia's deforestation rates, while falling, remain substantial. Long-term funding isn't guaranteed. Illegal mining and armed groups continue to drive forest loss in some regions.
Sources: Positive News
