Three Countries in Europe Offer Big Boost for the Protection of Colombia’s Amazon Forest

In a bid to help Colombia curb deforestation in its Amazon rainforest, Norway, Germany and Britain have announced they will be spending up to $366 million over the next five years towards preservation efforts.

Most of the newest funding – which was announced at the United Nations climate talks in Madrid this month – will come from Norway, who is committing to $311 million in support of Colombia’s ambitious goals to tackle deforestation.

“Colombia’s ambition and commitment to reduce deforestation is of global significance,” says Ola Elvestuen, Norway’s climate and environment minister. “We cannot solve climate change without stopping deforestation. The international community should now step up to mobilize billions of dollars per year to support forest countries that succeed in reducing emissions.”

According to the announcement, up to $260 million will be payouts for achieving targets to reduce emissions, and up to $106 million will go towards helping the country meet its goals to preserve forests.