In an unprecedented effort, the Government of Colombia has allocated $200 million for the protection of biodiversity through a program aimed at substituting illicit crops. This initiative was formalized during COP16 at the event titled ‘The War on Drugs and Its Impact on the Environment: Biodiversity at Risk.’
The agreement was signed by the ministries of Justice, Agriculture, and Environment, along with the Directorate for the Substitution of Illicit Crops, the Fund for Life and Biodiversity, the Colombia Peace Fund, and Fondopaz. These entities will work together to develop the National Program for Ecological and Productive Transformation, which seeks to replace these crops in areas of special environmental importance.
Gloria Miranda, director of the Directorate for the Substitution of Illicit Crops, emphasized the significance of this historic alliance among government entities, highlighting the goal of facilitating the transition to legal economies with a focus on protecting nature and biodiversity. Miranda pointed out that many farmers turn to coca cultivation not by choice but out of necessity, and that the agreement aims to provide dignified alternatives for their survival.
Additionally, the government hopes to receive support in technical and financial resources from international cooperation and the private sector to carry out this ambitious project over the next two years. During the event, discussions also addressed drug policies and the need to integrate environmental considerations into international discussions to mitigate the harmful effects already inflicted on the environment and prevent future detrimental interventions in ecosystems.