In the 'book of truth', the MinAmbiente report lacks context

The government of President Abelardo de la Espriella released “El Libro de la Verdad” on Wednesday, a document accusing the previous administration of President Gustavo Petro of 80 alleged corruption cases. The report, presented by incoming ministers, includes sections organized by sectors and evaluations of the prior administration’s performance. However, according to analysis by La Silla Vacía, the environmental section lacks necessary context to properly frame the allegations. The report highlights eight specific cases, with one involving procurement practices being described as particularly alarming. La Silla Vacía found discrepancies in the data used to calculate a supposed 800% increase in spending between 2022 and 2026. The initial figure was nearly seven times higher than the one included in the report, significantly reducing the apparent rate of growth. The document also links increased deforestation to loss of governance, noting that in areas where the state withdraws, armed groups and illegal economies, such as cattle ranching, land grabbing, mining, and illicit crops, fill the void, controlling land use as if they were authorities. These groups determine who lives and how, leading to less security and more violence against communities and environmental leaders. Minister Fabio Arjona's conclusions mention that deforestation within the National Parks System doubled by 2.5 times in 2024. While this figure is accurate, the report does not acknowledge that during the same period, Petro’s administration recorded its lowest cumulative deforestation since 2002. Previous administrations under Álvaro Uribe and Juan Manuel Santos left behind over 700,000 and 600,000 hectares of forest destroyed, respectively. Although Petro cannot claim credit for these figures, his administration also faces criticism for failing to address long-standing issues. Historically, the presence of the state in the Amazon has been minimal, and criminal governance has been prevalent. This situation worsened under Petro, despite his emphasis on conservation in his political narrative. In the early years of his presidency, deforestation rates dropped, possibly due to improved dialogue with local communities and efforts to promote peace. Additionally, a comprehensive plan aimed at working with rural communities in high-deforestation zones was implemented, though its reach was limited, it did improve trust in the state among these populations. Regarding the number of parks, the institution acknowledged a sharp rise in deforestation in 2024. While challenges faced by park rangers were not exclusive to Petro’s term, groups such as dissident factions in regions like Guaviare, southern Meta, and Putumayo hindered their work. Furthermore, the budget for the entity decreased in both 2024 and 2025 compared to 2023. Despite these challenges, deforestation in national parks fell by 18.7% in 2025. According to a statement from the institution before the new president took office, deforestation must be viewed as a decades-long issue. During Duque’s tenure, more hectares were cut down in parks annually than in any other period.