Written question asked by Lord Alderdice (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 January 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 February 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Colombia: Forests

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Joint Declaration of Intent between Colombia, Germany, Norway and the UK, signed at COP25 and reaffirmed at COP27, what support they will provide to Colombia to (1) develop their national development plan, and (2) fulfil the COP27 commitments to tackle deforestation and address biodiversity loss.

Answer: Through our bilateral 'Partnership for Sustainable Growth' with Colombia, the UK supports a large portfolio of projects to tackle deforestation and protect Colombia's biodiversity. This includes the flagship £64 million programme "Sustainable Forest Territories" (TEFOS) which seeks to protect Colombia's forests in high-deforestation, conflict-affected areas. Under the Joint Declaration of Intent, the UK is also working with Germany and Norway to promote forest conservation, sustainable livelihoods, peacebuilding and Supporting Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLC) governance. These align with our countries' COP27 commitments, under the Forests and Climate Leaders' Partnership (FCLP), to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

Secondary information