Latest News

Wildfire erupts in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park, arson suspected

By The City Paper Staff - January 15, 2025

A wildfire in Colombia’s Chingaza National Park is threatening a high-altitude wetland that supplies Bogotá with water amid ongoing rationing. Suspected arson, hot weather, and strong winds complicate containment efforts by emergency crews, the military and local authorities.

Colombian heroes unite to free trapped Humpback Whale off Pacific Coast

By The City Paper Staff - August 22, 2024

The Colombian Navy and local fishermen heroically rescued a trapped humpback whale off the Pacific coast after a three-hour battle with a fishing net.

Colombia records lowest deforestation rate this century

By The City Paper Staff - July 9, 2024

Colombia achieves record low deforestation rate in 2023 confirmed Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. The 36% drop in deforestation, marks the lowest rate ever recorded, and attributed to peace efforts and strengthened conservation agreements.

View of the grey beaches of Gorgona island.

Colombia to upgrade military infrastructure on Gorgona National Park

By The City Paper Staff - February 13, 2024

Colombia has announced plans to upgrade military infrastructure on Gorgona National Park, sparking concerns among locals and environmentalists about potential threats to marine biodiversity.

Spiritual leaders from the Sierra Nevada make historic visit to Bogotá

By The City Paper Staff - November 10, 2021

A delegation of spiritual leaders from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta made their first visit to Bogotá to petition the national government for greater conservation of their ancestral territory.

Colombia’s National Parks under threat from gold mining and ranching

By Richard Emblin - March 18, 2020

Illegal activities in National Parks is accelerating deforestation. Artisanal mining and cattle ranching among the environmental predators.

Scientists identify hundreds of species in Colombia’s Chiribiquete Park

By The City Paper Staff - November 26, 2019

A scientific expedition carried out in the river basins of Puerto Abeja, Mesay and Cun?are has revealed more than 300 species inside this protected parkland.

Big Picture: Reaching the summit of El Cocuy

By The City Paper Staff - October 9, 2019

El Cocuy covers three departments – Boyacá, Santander and Arauca – and one of the most remote National Parks in Colombia. Rising to 4,600 meters a.s.l., PNN Cocuy is also among the most challenging mountain ranges for experienced hikers.

Colombia’s eco-warrior “Artemisa” combats deforestation in nation’s parks

By Richard Emblin - September 11, 2019

Artemisa is the new frontline of a military campaign to combat deforestation across Colombia, particularly in National Parks. The offensive also targets animal traffickers.

Pictograms in the Chiribiquete National Park.

President Santos expands protection of Colombia’s PNN Chiribiquete

By Richard Emblin - September 9, 2013

Covering 2.7 million hectacres of pristine rainforest, Chiribiquete National Park is Colombia’s jewel of biodiversity.