Will a Welcome Peace Derail Colombia’s Sustainable Development Plans?

Nov 23, 2015 | Rocio Rodriguez Granados
View Original

In August 2012, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos began negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, also known as the People’s Army, or FARC, that resulted in a general peace agreement. It is expected the agreement will end the long-running conflict between FARC and the government, which will have profound effects on rural areas of the country.

With more than 300 different ecosystems, Colombia is one of the world’s megadiverse countries. It is home to nearly 10 percent of all living species and has more bird and orchid species than any other country. It is second in the world in the diversity of plants, amphibians, freshwater fish, and butterflies. But, paradoxically, many biodiversity hotspots were protected from development by their proximity to the violence. With peace now at hand, this “protection” is being lifted and there is worry about the environmental consequences.