At the COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia unveiled its new Water Police division, a specialized force tasked with safeguarding the country’s rivers, lakes, wetlands, and endangered watersheds.
Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.
As Bogotá faces a water crisis with extreme heat, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán may be forced to declare a state of emergency for the Colombian capital. With reservoirs levels at critical lows, an extended drought could lead to water shortages during 2025.
President Gustavo Petro signed a decree granting indigenous communities environmental authority over their territories. The move comes as Colombia prepares for COP16, highlighting indigenous roles in biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management
British geologist-turned-photographer Brian Moser (1935-2023) captured the lives of Colombia’s Indigenous, Afro, and rural communities. A new virtual exhibition by the country’s Central Bank – Banco de la República – showcases 1,400 of Moser’s most iconic images.
The Colombian Army has regained control of El Plateado in the department of Cauca during a large-scale military operation. The offensive in the southwest of the country comes a week before the start of the COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Valle del Cauca.
The city of Cali in southwestern Colombia is strengthening security for the COP16 biodiversity summit with the arrival of “Gladiator” armored vehicles, over 4,000 police officers, 1,700 soldiers, and special forces to protect 13,000 attendees of the global event.
The FARC dissidents under alias “Iván Mordisco” have declared a temporary ceasefire in Cali ahead of the COP16 biodiversity summit. The ceasefire, announced on social media, will take effect from October 11 to November 6, though the group has reserved its right to self-defense.
Colombia’s National Election Council (CNE) has opened an investigation into President Gustavo Petro and his former campaign manager Ricardo Roa over alleged campaign finance violations in 2022. Petro claims a “coup has begun” to oust him from office.
Former FARC hostage Ingrid Betancourt reacted strongly to Alexánder Farfán Suárez, alias “Gafas,” rejoining dissident factions, calling him “a man of infinite darkness.” Betancourt criticized his appointment as a peace facilitator by President Petro, stating that it was evident to former captives that the move was a “farce.”
After President Petro and former AUC commander Salvatore Mancuso exchanged hats in a bizarre ceremony for the victims of forced displacement, Colombia witnessed a violent weekend, with over 14 people killed in four separate massacres.
Bogotá will once again be transformed into a vibrant barrio of salsa, a place where history, rhythm, and community converge in a celebration of sound and movement with the 25th anniversar edition of Salsa Al Parque.
Severe drought in the Amazon is causing critical water shortages, with river levels dropping by 80% across vast sections of the Amazon River. The Colombian port city of Leticia and neighboring indigenous communities are among the worst affected, as vital trade routes from Brazil and Peru have been disrupted.
Over 60% of Colombian business owners are contemplating relocating abroad due to economic instability under President Gustavo Petro, a Fenalco survey reveals. High interest rates, rising inflation, and security concerns have worsened the business climate, with leaders urging clearer economic policies for recovery.
ARTBO’s 20th edition in Bogotá launched with a star-studded event, attracting celebrities, art aficionados, and VIPs from around the world. The social gathering celebrated Colombian artist David Manzur’s 70-years of artistic creation and featured a slate of national and international galleries.
The Festival Internacional de Artes Vivas Bogotá (FIAV) is poised to be a landmark event in Colombia’s cultural calendar, inviting both local and international audiences to engage with the arts in profound and transformative ways. The festival runs from Octuber 4 to 14.