BOGOTA, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Colombia's Environment Minister, Susana Muhamad, announced that deforestation in 2024 is projected to exceed the previous year but is still anticipated to be one of the lowest levels seen in over two decades.
In 2023, deforestation decreased by over a third to just over 792 square kilometers (305 square miles), down from approximately 1,235 square kilometers in 2022, as reported by the environment ministry.
Muhamad had cautioned last year that the success of 2023 might not be repeated due to drought and failed negotiations with rebel groups allegedly involved in illegal logging and ranching.
She emphasized that the projected 2024 deforestation rate would mark the third-lowest in 23 years.
Muhamad stated her resignation as "irrevocable" following President Gustavo Petro's controversial appointment of an advisor. The identity of her successor remains undisclosed, as she prepares to hand over responsibilities.
Muhamad, a prominent member of Petro's cabinet, expressed pride in her work to combat deforestation and her involvement in the UN COP16 biodiversity summit in Colombia last year.
While the summit addressed concerns related to genetic information usage by pharmaceutical companies, discussions failed to secure an agreement on mobilizing $200 billion annually for conservation by 2030.
Muhamad hopes to see through the forthcoming biodiversity talks in Rome later this month before stepping down from her position.