Colombia Bans New Oil and Mining Projects in Its Amazon Rainforest Region

Colombia, encompassing 6% of the extensive Amazon rainforest within its territory, is undertaking substantial efforts to safeguard this vital ecosystem in light of climate change. The nation has made a momentous declaration to cease new mining and oil operations in its Amazon region, aiming to convert it into a reserve focused on renewable natural resources. This initiative was announced at COP30, with the goal of conserving 186,487 square miles of the Amazon landscape.

This innovative strategy places Colombia at the forefront among the nine countries sharing the Amazon, which include Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, in securing its entire Amazon segment as a natural resource reserve. The action suspends 43 oil and 286 mining endeavors indefinitely.

Irene Vélez Torres, Colombia’s minister for environment and sustainable development, highlighted Colombia’s role in safeguarding the Amazon and encouraged neighboring countries to join the Amazon Alliance for Life. She emphasized that environmental protection should be viewed not as a sacrifice but as a moral investment for the future.

Nevertheless, this policy encounters procedural challenges before it can be enacted. The National Authority for Prior Consultation insists on engaging with local communities, which include 566 Indigenous groups, to ensure their participation and address any potential impacts. Despite these obstacles, Colombia’s decision signifies a crucial step toward preserving the Amazon’s abundant biodiversity and resources.

Sources: [El Tiempo](https://www.eltiempo.com/vida/medio-ambiente/colombia-prohibe-mineria-y-extraccion-de-hidrocarburos-en-toda-su-amazonia-3509205); [Infobae](https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2025/11/15/colombia-prohibe-explotacion-minera-y-de-hidrocarburos-en-la-amazonia-pero-la-medida-queda-en-suspenso-por-falta-de-consulta-previa/)

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