Measure Bars New Mining and Hydrocarbon Projects Across Vast Amazon Region Before President Leaves Office.
On Thursday, President Gustavo Petro declared 483,283 square kilometers of the Colombian Amazon a renewable natural resources reserve, covering nearly 42% of the country’s territory. The measure bars new mining concessions and new hydrocarbon exploration and production contracts.
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The decision comes just hours before Petro’s term ends on Friday and establishes a permanent restriction on new mining projects, an issue that is a priority for his successor, President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella.
The initiative was adopted through Environment Ministry Resolution 0961, through which the government seeks to prevent new extractive activities in the Amazon region and reduce pressure on its forests, water sources, ecosystems and biodiversity, which is estimated to be home to 10% of all known species.
The declaration preserves rights acquired before it entered into force, meaning activities that already have contracts, titles or permits may continue under the established terms and conditions. However, those projects will not be allowed to extend their operations through new renewals once their current authorizations expire.
En el Gobierno del Presidente @PetroGustavo se logró una reducción promedio del 37 % en la deforestación, protegiendo la Amazonía y preservando el pulmón del mundo y su biodiversidad.
#GraciasPetro pic.twitter.com/FfaaIzKl5S
— UNGRD
(@UNGRD) August 6, 2026
The text reads, “Under President Gustavo Petro’s administration, an average reduction of 37% in deforestation was achieved, protecting the Amazon rainforest and preserving the lungs of the world and its biodiversity. Thank you, Petro!”
The protected area also includes protected zones in the departments of Amazonas, Caqueta, Guainia, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vaupes.
The process to establish the protected area began in 2025, when the Environment Ministry introduced the draft resolution to exclude the Amazon from new mining activities and hydrocarbon exploration and production.
The proposal was submitted to a prior consultation process with the region’s Indigenous peoples, which formally began at the end of June this year, before the government adopted its final decision.
The Environment Ministry has maintained that the measure seeks to protect a strategic ecosystem for Colombia and the planet while promoting conservation, restoration and the sustainable use of natural resources.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
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