Deforestation in Colombia has been linked to armed conflict and forests’ proximity to coca crops, the plant from which cocaine is derived.
A University of Queensland-led study found that conflict between illegal groups and the governmental military forces, proximity to coca plantations, mining concessions, oil wells and roads were all associated with increased deforestation.
UQ PhD student Pablo Negret said the study identified how local drivers of deforestation in tropical countries affect deforestation risk.
“The relationship between conflict and deforestation is far from simple,” he said.
Read more at: University of Queensland
One of the unintended victims of conflict and coca production. (Photo Credit: Sebastian Di Domenico)