Strategies for Forest Conservation in Corantioquia's Jurisdiction

Abstract

Nearly 40% of the territory within Corantioquia's jurisdiction is covered by forests, mainly fragmented forest and, to a lesser extent (3.27%), dense forest. The deforestation rate within the jurisdiction for the 2000-2007 period was 19,200 ha per year. Several factors contribute to forest reduction, including the expansion of the agricultural and livestock frontier, land clearing for illicit crops, open-pit mining, timber extraction techniques, and the construction of roads and infrastructure in the department. To counter the deforestation process, the Corporation is pursuing various conservation strategies across 33 areas defined as priorities for this purpose. To implement these strategies, it is seeking the active participation of local communities.