Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon
Navigating risks, economics, and pathways to a sustainable future
This report examines the economic and wider risks of continued oil and gas expansion in the Colombian Amazon. The current government has made important steps to shelve blocks in protected areas. Nonetheless, ongoing and potential new fossil fuel activities in the region threaten people and the environment. The economic and energy security case for further expansion is, however, poorly substantiated. Permanently removing the unassigned oil and gas blocks is recommended.
Policy Recommendations
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Permanently shelve unassigned blocks: cancel ongoing and future awarding rounds and remove all unassigned blocks from the National Hydrocarbon Agency's Mapa de Tierras.
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Defend and restore biodiversity: protect at least all key biodiversity areas with effective area-based conservation measures, strengthen the environmental standards for new licences, expand environmental governance schemes in Indigenous territories, and leverage the region's bio-economy potential.
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Leverage Colombia's environmental and climate diplomacy: anchor Colombia's leadership in climate and biodiversity topics by scaling up its commitment to initiatives like Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, the Fossil Fuel No Proliferation Treaty Initiative, and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization.
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Consolidate the transition away from fossil fuels: plan a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry in Putumayo and other departments, support renewable energy projects, anchor Colombia's leadership in international initiatives, and align domestic policy with transition timelines.
This report examines the economic and wider risks of continued oil and gas expansion in the Colombian Amazon, a region of immense ecological and cultural significance. Colombia has positioned itself as an international leader in climate and environmental policy and in late 2022, the government announced its intention to end new oil and gas exploration and called for a transition away from fossil fuels. Nonetheless, ongoing and potential new fossil fuel activities in the region, encouraged by narratives around economic profitability and energy security, continue to threaten the livelihoods and human rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, the region's rich biodiversity, and its carbon sinks.
The economic and security case for fossil fuel expansion in the Amazon is, however, poorly substantiated, as shown by this report. Instead, permanently removing the unassigned oil and gas blocks, managing declining oil production, investing in the region's rich natural and human capital, and safeguarding its communities would promote sustainable development and deliver Colombia's environmental and climate commitments. This would consolidate its international leadership and attract further investments into green growth sectors like renewables, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture, supporting its USD 40 billion climate and nature investment plan.
Participating experts
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