Environmental impacts of the Colombian armed conflict and effective remediation actions

Abstract

This article addresses the deforestation phenomenon in Colombia and the armed conflict’s influence on it, identifying reparation actions that State institutions, social organizations, and the affected local communities themselves can implement. First, a qualitative documentary review methodology is used to analyze the conflict’s impacts on deforestation, its relationship with illicit economic activities, and the involved actors’ roles. Then, the relationship between ecosystems and communities is addressed, focused primarily on the indigenous and peasant populations inhabiting the affected territories and the grave consequences experienced. Finally, some environmental reparation actions are studied, such as the Army’s Operation Artemisa and other initiatives developed from the local communities’ perspective, knowledge, and specific needs.