Colombia's Chiribiquete National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity and ancient rock art, is under severe threat from rampant deforestation in the Amazon. Satellite data reveals alarming forest loss, driven by illegal cattle ranching and land grabbing.
The Scale of Destruction
Recent reports indicate that over 1,000 hectares of pristine rainforest within the park's buffer zone have been cleared in just the first half of 2024. Experts warn that this unchecked deforestation could irreversibly damage one of the planet's most ecologically significant regions.
Why Chiribiquete Matters
- Home to jaguars, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species
- Contains 75,000+ ancient rock paintings dating back 20,000 years
- Acts as a crucial carbon sink in the fight against climate change
Government Response
Colombian authorities have deployed military patrols to combat illegal activities, but conservationists argue more robust measures are needed to protect this ecological treasure before it's too late.
