Colombia, a multi-faceted gem of South America, lies in the continent's northwest corner. This nation of 50 million people is a captivating biodiversity haven. Colombia has everything from the lush Amazon rainforest to the majestic Andes Mountains, from pristine white sandy beaches to vibrant cities. However, this very richness poses significant challenges to environmental protection efforts.

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        Colombia's development journey began with the "coffee fever" of the early 20th century, transforming the country into a global "coffee kingdom". The subsequent oil and mineral boom quickly painted a veneer of prosperity nationwide. However, this glossy facade gradually seeped into and poisoned the environment. Forests were devastated, rivers and lakes polluted, and soil depleted - all prices paid for unsustainable development. The story became even more complex with prolonged internal conflicts. 

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        The US intervention creating an unstable political environment, along with the participation of Western foreign corporations (mainly the US) in Colombia to exploit resources, has formed a ‘destructive triad’ for the environment (deforestation for coca plantations - illegal gold mining - water pollution). Corporations and businesses have been directly implicated in those activities in Colombia, including large mining companies like Gran Colombia Gold, one of the country's largest gold producers. Additionally, criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo are deeply involved in illegal gold mining, causing severe environmental consequences. Deforestation for coca cultivation is primarily carried out by drug trafficking groups, while numerous factories and industrial facilities have also contributed to water pollution through uncontrolled discharges. These activities not only harm ecosystems but also displace thousands of indigenous people, leaving them in dire and unstable conditions.

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        Thus, we can see that Colombia has experienced considerable upheaval throughout its development process. In recent years, Colombia has achieved impressive results in economic recovery and development, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the process of development and overcoming difficulties, Colombia has not escaped limitations, with environmental degradation being the most prominent among them.

Over the past decade, millions of hectares of forests have been cleared for agricultural expansion and mining development. This deforestation and soil erosion have had severe consequences not only for biodiversity but also for the millions of Colombians who depend on farming.

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        Environmental degradation has led to extreme weather events such as landslides, droughts, and floods becoming more common. Prolonged droughts have severely impacted agriculture, while floods and landslides, especially in mountainous regions, have caused considerable damage to communities.

The environmental crisis in Colombia is also linked to U.S. intervention. The U.S. has supported coca eradication efforts, which involve using herbicides and chemicals that pollute water and soil. Additionally, American companies in the mining sector have engaged in deforestation and land clearing for infrastructure projects. While these initiatives have economic benefits, the environmental damage has adversely affected millions of Colombians.

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        Several factors contribute to Colombia's current environmental situation. The government's weak regulation and inadequate investment in conservation projects have allowed illegal logging and resource extraction. Economic dependence on the U.S. has also led to unplanned mining and infrastructure projects, causing severe pollution.

 

       Urbanization and rapid population growth have strained natural resources and ecosystems. Increasing demands for housing and essentials have pressured land use, and rapid industrialization in major cities has worsened air and water quality.

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        To address environmental pollution, Colombia's government has implemented policies and laws to protect forests, water resources, and control pollution. However, enforcement is challenging due to limited resources and the presence of illegal armed groups.

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        In this context, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are playing an extremely important role. They not only implement conservation projects but also closely monitor law enforcement, creating pressure on the government and businesses to comply with regulations. Organizations such as USAID, WWF, and Conservation International are among those actively working to protect biodiversity and support sustainable development for local communities. Besides, the international community is also a strong source of support for Colombia. Through policies such as the Paris Agreement and assistance from organizations like the World Bank and UNDP, UNEP, this country is gradually building capacity and resources to protect the environment more effectively.

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        One of the most promising solutions is the transition to renewable energy. Colombia is promoting investment in solar, wind, and biomass energy, both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating jobs for people. Along with that, technical measures such as recycling, waste management, and rational use of resources are also being widely applied. Most notable is the effort to bring environmental education into schools and communities. By raising awareness from the young generation, Colombia hopes to create positive changes in behavior and attitudes towards the environment in the future.

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        Although the road ahead is still full of challenges, it is clear that with the combination of domestic efforts and international support, Colombia is gradually moving towards a greener and more sustainable future. The environmental protection struggle of this passionate country is not only important for the Colombian people but also brings global values in the context of increasingly severe climate change.

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Authors:

Dang Phuong Nam, English Faculty, intake 49, DAV

Phung Duc Trung, Faculty of International Law, intake 50, DAV

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References

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