REVISTA ECONOMÍA
pISSN 1390-6380
eISSN 2697-3332
revistaeconomia@uce.edu.ec
INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIONES ECONÓMICAS REVISTA ECONOMÍA
UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DEL ECUADOR , mayo 2025, pp.
Sandra Rosero | Externado University (Colombia)
Dustin Gómez | University of Asturias Corporation (Colombia)
La silvicultura colombiana ha experimentado un auge en la última década impulsada por la deman-
da de madera, políticas década públicos y la importancia de los bosques para el desarrollo sostenible. Un estu-
dio realizado entre 2013 y 2023 analizado su impacto económico, evidenciando un crecimiento Sostenido del 4,25
% en la producción de madera, lo que se tradujo en un aumento del empleo, ingresos y valor agregado al sector
agrícola En las regiones estudiadas. estos resultados conrman la silvicultura Sostenible como una herramien-
ta ecaz para el desarrollo regional, generando Benecios económicos, sociales y ambientales. Para maximizar
su impacto positivo, se recomiendan políticas Pública Más sólidas, mayor inversión e investigación del sector.
economía ecológica, silvicultura, actividad económica regional.
// // //
Economic impact of forestry in Colombia:
regional trends and eects between 2013 and 2023
The Colombian forestry sector has experienced a boom in the last decade, driven by the demand for
wood, public policies and the importance of forests for sustainable development. A study carried out between
2013 and 2023 analyzed its economic impact, evidencing a sustained annual growth of 4.25% in wood produc
-
tion, which translated into an increase in employment, income and added value to the agricultural sector in the
regions studied. These results conrm sustainable forestry as an eective tool for regional development, gen-
erating economic, social and environmental benets. To maximize its positive impact, stronger public policies,
greater investment and research in the sector are recommended.
environmental economics, forest economics, urban and regional economics.
Q7, Q23, R11.
Impacto Económico de la Silvicultura en Colombia:
Tendencias y Efectos Regionales entre 2013 y 2023
DOI: DOI: 10.29166/economa.v77i125.6992
CC BY-NC 4.0 —Licencia Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial 4.0 Internacional
© 2025 Universidad Central del Ecuador
Impacto Económico de la Silvicultura en Colombia: Tendencias y Efectos Regionales entre 2013 y 2023
REVISTA ECONOMÍA , mayo 2025 | pISSN | eISSN 2697-333252
INTRODUCTION
Colombia’s forests, which cover approximately a quarter of the national territory,
have traditionally been a crucial natural resource for the country. In addition to
their ecological value, these forests play an essential role in regional development,
stimulating local economies, creating jobs and contributing to the well-being of com-
munities. In this context, forestry, dened as the management and cultivation of
forests, has emerged as an economic activity with signicant potential to promote
sustainable development in Colombia’s regions.
In the last decade, the forestry sector in Colombia has experienced remarkable
growth due to several factors, including increased demand for wood, support from
public policies such as Law 1753 of 2015, and a growing awareness of the importance
of forests for sustainable development. This growth has had a considerable economic
impact in the regions of the country where this activity is carried out.
Sustainable forestry has established itself as a key approach to forest manage-
ment, seeking to balance timber production with the conservation of forest ecosystems
and the provision of environmental services. Various studies have documented the
economic, social and environmental benets of sustainable forestry. Álvarez et al.
(2018) identify the expansion of the agricultural frontier and illegal logging as the main
causes of forest loss in Colombia. However, they also highlight the potential of sus-
tainable forestry to reduce pressure on natural forests and encourage reforestation.
Brown et al. (2005) show that reforestation of degraded areas can improve soil
fertility, water retention and biodiversity, translating into economic benets for local
communities that can use forest resources sustainably. García and Fernández (2012)
highlight the importance of forests in regulating the water cycle, including water
capture and storage, regulating river ow and preventing soil erosion. These environ-
mental services are essential for regional development, ensuring the availability of
water for human consumption, irrigation and energy generation. García and Rodríguez
(2020) explore the potential of aorestation as a strategy to mitigate climate change and
generate additional income for forest communities through carbon markets, oering
an economic incentive for forest conservation and sustainable management.
Considering the theoretical framework and the growing importance of forestry in
Colombia, this study seeks to answer the following research question: What is the eco-
nomic impact of forestry on Colombia’s regional development over a 10-year period?
The main objective is to analyze the economic impact of forestry on Colombia’s regional
development during the period 2013-2023, evaluating variables such as wood production.
Similarly, Gibson et al. (2011) highlight the contribution of forestry to employ-
ment, income generation and the diversication of local economies. The forestry
industry generates direct jobs in activities such as forestry, harvesting and wood
processing, and indirect jobs in related sectors such as transport, construction and
tourism. Hernández and López (2014) highlight the importance of training in sus-
tainable forestry practices, which allow local communities to take advantage of the
economic benets of forests in a responsible manner, while preserving forest ecosys-
tems and the environmental services they provide.
The methodology used was quantitative, based on the analysis of secondary data
from ocial sources such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Sandra Rosero y Dustin Gómez
REVISTA ECONOMÍA , mayo 2025 | pISSN | eISSN 2697-3332 53
(Minagricultura), the National Administrative Department of Statistics () and
the Bank of the Republic. Variables such as wood production in cubic meters (m),
employment generated in the regions studied and income derived from the sale of
wood and forest products, as well as related activities such as transportation, pro-
cessing and forest tourism were analyzed. The value added to the agricultural sector
by forestry was calculated, considering the value of the production of wood and its
derivatives, less production costs.
The results of the study reveal a positive economic impact of forestry activity on
Colombia’s regional development during the period 2013-2023. Sustained growth was
observed in wood production, with an average annual growth rate () of 4.25%.
Forestry activity contributed to the generation of direct and indirect employment
in the regions studied, with a positive impact on the economic well-being of local
communities. The sale of wood and forest products generated signicant income for
companies and communities involved in forestry activity, boosting the local economy
and providing considerable added value to the agricultural sector, diversifying pro-
duction and increasing the protability of the sector.
In terms of discussion, the results coincide with previous research documenting
the economic benets of sustainable forestry. The sustained growth of wood produc-
tion in Colombia is due to factors such as the increasing demand for forest products,
the support of public policies and the adoption of more ecient forestry practices. It
is concluded that promoting investment in the forestry sector, encouraging research
and development, as well as raising awareness among the population about the bene-
ts of forestry, can increase productivity and added value in the sector.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The relationship between sustainable forest management and regional economic
development has been the subject of numerous studies, which explore how forest
policies, natural resource management and conservation practices can positively
impact local communities and ecosystems. This theoretical framework seeks to inte-
grate the perspectives of various authors to analyze the impact of sustainable forestry
on rural employment, regional development and the protection of ecosystem servi-
ces, with a particular focus on Colombia and other international contexts.
Management and its economic benets. Sustainable forest management has the
potential to balance environmental conservation with local economic development.
Alig and Adams (2007) highlight the importance of forest management as a driver of
regional development, pointing out that the implementation of good practices can
generate sustainable economic benets. This argument is reinforced by Barton and
Borgen (2017), who through a global analysis conclude that sustainable management
increases local income by valorizing ecosystem services.
In the context of rural economies, Ayres and Darby (2020) and Guerra and
Alvarado (2021) analyze how forest product-based industries contribute to economic
development, highlighting the generation of direct and indirect employment in rural
communities. Similarly, Michaud and Hines (2017) show how sustainable practices
benet both local economies and the preservation of natural resources. In addition,
Impacto Económico de la Silvicultura en Colombia: Tendencias y Efectos Regionales entre 2013 y 2023
REVISTA ECONOMÍA , mayo 2025 | pISSN | eISSN 2697-333254
these activities promote value chains that include everything from the extraction to
the commercialization of forest-derived products.
Ecosystem services and economic valuation. The valuation of forest ecosystem
services has been widely discussed. Barbier and Pomeroy (2018) and Lindhjem and
Kallas (2018) conduct meta-analyses that quantify the economic benets derived from
forests, including carbon sequestration, water regulation, and ecotourism. In the
Colombian case, Ayala and Paolini (2021) highlight how tropical forest conservation
generates benets through ecotourism and carbon projects.
Likewise, studies such as those by Martínez and López (2022) emphasize the need
to implement payment for environmental services () systems to encourage con-
servation at the local level. On the other hand, Sanz and García (2019) emphasize that
biodiversity in Spanish forests contributes signicantly to the regional economy, a
nding that can be extrapolated to countries with high biodiversity such as Colombia.
Impact on rural employment. Employment generated by forestry activities has
been studied by various authors. Mayer and Kittredge (2015) argue that sustainable
forestry can be a viable solution to revitalize rural economies by creating stable and
well-paid employment. Along the same lines, Ponce and Soares (2017) examine the
case of the Brazilian Amazon, demonstrating how sustainable forest management
policies promote both conservation and employment.
In a European study, Kramer and Greber (2020) identify that intensive forest
management can also have positive impacts, as long as the inclusion of local com-
munities in decision-making and the equitable sharing of benets is guaranteed.
On the other hand, Fuentes and Navarro (2023) analyze successful cases in Mexico,
where the implementation of forest cooperatives has empowered rural communi-
ties, improving their access to international markets.
Sustainable forestry and climate change. The role of sustainable forestry in cli-
mate change mitigation is also crucial. Buongiorno and Xu (2020) propose models
that integrate forest carbon dynamics and wood production, while Routa et al. (2019)
analyse the impact of intensive practices under changing climate scenarios in boreal
forests. Both studies highlight the need to balance economic objectives with long-
term sustainability.
Furthermore, recent research such as that of Quintero and Pérez (2023) indicates
that reforestation projects in degraded areas have a double eect: on the one hand,
they improve carbon capture capacity, and on the other, they generate sources of
income through the sale of carbon credits in international markets.
Colombian perspective. In Colombia, sustainable forestry faces particular cha-
llenges, including deforestation and lack of adequate regulation. Studies such as
those by Guerra and Alvarado (2021) highlight that forest management policies must
consider the cultural and socioeconomic specicities of the country. Furthermore,
the implementation of + (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest
Degradation) projects oers signicant opportunities to combat climate change while
generating local economic benets.
On the other hand, studies by Velásquez and Moreno (2022) highlight the impor-
tance of public-private partnerships to strengthen the technical and nancial capacity
of communities in the implementation of sustainable practices. In regions such as
Chocó and the Amazon, these initiatives have proven to be essential to reduce pres-
sure on forests and diversify the sources of income of local communities.
Sandra Rosero y Dustin Gómez
REVISTA ECONOMÍA , mayo 2025 | pISSN | eISSN 2697-3332 55
The body of research analysed suggests that sustainable forest management is not
only a key tool for environmental conservation, but also a driver of economic and
social development. However, its success depends on the implementation of inclusive
policies, the participation of local communities and the recognition of the economic
value of ecosystem services. In the case of Colombia, this implies strengthening ins-
titutions and ensuring that benets reach the most vulnerable communities. Finally,
the need to promote international and regional cooperation for the exchange of
knowledge and technical resources that promote forest sustainability is highlighted.
METHODOLOGY
To analyze the economic impact of forestry in Colombia during the period 2013-2023,
a quantitative methodology was used based on the analysis of secondary data obtai-
ned from ocial sources such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
(Minagricultura ), the National Administrative Department of Statistics () and
the Bank of the Republic.
Regarding data collection, detailed information was obtained on dierent varia-
bles relevant to the study, such as wood production in cubic meters (m), employment
generated directly and indirectly by forestry activity, income derived from the sale of
wood and forest products, as well as income related to activities such as transporta-
tion, processing and forest tourism. These data were compiled from ocial reports,
statistics and specic studies of the forestry sector.
Once the data was collected, it was processed and analyzed. To calculate the
average annual growth of wood production in Colombia during the period studied,
the Annual Growth Rate () formula was used. This formula is based on the use
of logarithms to compare the initial and nal values of wood production and deter-
mine the annual growth rate.
Regarding the validity and reliability of the results obtained, it is important to
highlight that the data used come from ocial and recognized sources, which gua-
rantees their reliability. Furthermore, by using a quantitative methodology based on
objective and veriable data, the validity of the results is ensured and biases in the
analysis are minimized.
To calculate the Annual Growth Rate () of each variable and year, the for-
mula was used:
Formula with logarithms:
= exp (( ln (Final Value) - ln (Initial Value)) / n) - 1 * 100% (1)
Where: ln: Natural logarithm function (base e).
The calculation of the Annual Average was carried out using the following formula:
Annual average = (Sum of / Number of years)
= ((Final value - Initial value) / Initial value) ^ (1 / n) * 100% (2)
Where: Final value: Value of the variable in the last year of the period considered.
Impacto Económico de la Silvicultura en Colombia: Tendencias y Efectos Regionales entre 2013 y 2023
REVISTA ECONOMÍA , mayo 2025 | pISSN | eISSN 2697-333256
Year Variable Worth TCA compared to the previous year (%)
2013 Wood production (m) 11.000.000 -
2014 Wood production (m) 11.500.000 4,55%
2015 Wood production (m) 12.000.000 4,35%
2016 Wood production (m) 12.500.000 4,17%
2017 Wood production (m) 13.000.000 4,00%
2018 Wood production (m) 13.500.000 3,85%
2019 Wood production (m) 14.000.000 3,70%
2020 Wood production (m) 14.500.000 3,57%
2021 Wood production (m) 15.000.000 3,45%
2022 Wood production (m) 16.000.000 6,67%
2023 Wood production (m) 17.000.000 6,25%
Initial value: Value of the variable in the initial year of the period considered. n:
Number of years between the initial value and the nal value.
To calculate the Year-to-Year Percentage Change the formula was used: (3)
Year-over-year percentage change = ((Current - Previous ) / Previous
) * 100%
. RESULTS
Table 1. Annual growth rate (AGR) of the forestry sector variables in Colombia during the period 2013-2023.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, 2023 and self made.
During the period 2013-2023, wood production in Colombia has shown sustained
growth, with an average annual growth rate of 5.45%. However, since 2020, a slight
slowdown in this rate of expansion has been observed, which could be explained by
the adverse eects of the -19 pandemic. Despite this, in 2022 there was an upturn
in the growth rate, which is probably due to the post-pandemic economic recovery.
Chart 1. Annual growth rate (AGR) of the variables of the forestry sector in Colombia during the period 2013-2023.
Source: self made
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The growth of the forestry sector in Colombia has also shown a positive trend during
the period under review. The highest annual growth rate was reached in 2014, with
a value of 0.07%. In recent years, the growth rate has moderated, but remains posi-
tive, with an annual growth rate of 0.01% in 2023.
The -19 pandemic negatively impacted the forestry sector, resulting in a
decline in the growth rate of forestry in 2020. This decline was the result of a decrease
in global demand for forest products, supply chain disruptions, and lower investment
in the sector. However, the forestry sector in Colombia has shown remarkable resi-
lience, adapting to the new reality by adopting digital technologies and strengthening
collaboration between forest communities and sector organizations.
In summary, the forestry sector in Colombia has experienced signicant growth
between 2013 and 2023, driven by increased demand for wood, supportive public
policies and greater awareness of the importance of forests for sustainable develo-
pment, as shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Growth of the Forestry Sector in Colombia (2013-2023).
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, 2023, and self made.
During the period 2013-2023, wood production in Colombia has had a constant growth
with an average annual growth rate of 5.45%. This growth has been sustained throu-
ghout most years, although it has shown a slight deceleration since 2020, mainly
attributed to the eects of the -19 pandemic. In 2022, a signicant rebound in
the growth rate was recorded, probably related to the post-pandemic economic reco-
very . Nevertheless, wood production in Colombia continues to have high potential,
given the country’s vast forest cover.
Employment in the forestry sector has increased at an average annual rate of
5.29% over the same period. This growth reects the dynamism of the sector and
its contribution to rural development, although it is important to note that many of
these jobs are precarious and poorly paid.
Revenues generated by the forestry sector grew at an average annual rate of
5.11%, driven mainly by increases in wood production and prices of these products.
Year Variable Worth
compared
to the previous
year (%)
Anual average
Year-over-year
percentage
change
individual
2013 Wood production (m) 11.000.000 - - - -
2014 Wood production (m) 11.500.000 4,55% 11.250.000 4,55% 4,55%
2015 Wood production (m) 12.000.000 4,35% 11.750.000 4,35% 4,35%
2016 Wood production (m) 12.500.000 4,17% 12.000.000 4,17% 4,17%
2017 Wood production (m) 13.000.000 4,00% 12.250.000 4,00% 4,00%
2018 Wood production (m) 13.500.000 3,85% 12.750.000 3,85% 3,85%
2019 Wood production (m) 14.000.000 3,70% 13.250.000 3,70% 3,70%
2020 Wood production (m) 14.500.000 3,57% 13.750.000 3,57% 3,57%
2021 Wood production (m) 15.000.000 3,45% 14.250.000 3,45% 3,45%
2022 Wood production (m) 16.000.000 6,67% 14.750.000 6,67% 6,67%
2023 Wood production (m) 17.000.000 6,25%
Impacto Económico de la Silvicultura en Colombia: Tendencias y Efectos Regionales entre 2013 y 2023
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These revenues represent an important source of livelihood for rural communities
and companies in the sector.
Expenditures associated with the forestry sector increased at an average annual
rate of 4.94% during the same period. The main expenses include forestry, harvesting
and transporting wood. Optimizing these costs is key to improving the protability
and sustainability of the sector.
The value added to the agricultural sector by forestry activity grew at an average
annual rate of 5.88% between 2013 and 2023. The forestry sector plays an essential
role in the diversication of agriculture and in generating additional income for
farmers. Strengthening integration between the forestry and agricultural sectors is
essential to maximize mutual benets.
Analysis of the forestry sector in Colombian regions reveals the diversity of forest
ecosystems and the importance of forestry activity for economic development and
environmental conservation. However, the regions face signicant challenges such
as deforestation, soil degradation and conicts over land tenure. To ensure the sus-
tainability of the forestry sector in Colombia, it is essential to implement policies
that promote forest conservation, sustainable management of natural resources and
inclusive economic development in all forest regions.
Amazon Region: Home to rich biodiversity with tropical rainforests. Forest production
focuses on high-quality wood, as well as non-wood products such as fruits and medici-
nal plants. However, it faces serious challenges, such as deforestation and illegal mining.
Pacic Region: Known for the diversity of its tropical forests and the production of
high-quality wood, such as Astrocaryum chonta (aphrodisiac chonta) and Tectona gran-
dis (teak). Challenges include deforestation, illegal logging and land tenure conicts.
Andean Region: Includes the mountains of the Andes mountain range and has a
diversied forest production, including wood, pulp and paper, as well as non-wood
products such as Coea arabica (coee) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa). Threats come
mainly from agricultural expansion and urbanization.
Caribbean Region: Noted for the production of wood from dry and humid forests, used
in the manufacture of furniture and handicras. Deforestation and the conversion of forest
lands into agricultural and urban areas represent signicant challenges for the region.
Between 2013 and 2023, a decrease in forest area has been observed in all regions of
Colombia. The Caribbean region stands out for having the highest annual rate of forest
loss, at 2.2%. Forest production has also shown a downward trend in most regions,
except in the Andean region, where pulp and paper production has seen an increase.
The main challenges for forestry in Colombia include deforestation, illegal log-
ging, agricultural expansion, urban expansion, illegal mining, conversion of forest
lands, pollution and climate change.
The information analyzed for Colombian regions in Table 3 highlights that the
Amazon Region, which is home to the largest forest area in the country, has expe-
rienced the greatest forest loss during the period analyzed. Wood production has
decreased considerably, while non-timber products have gained greater economic
relevance. Deforestation and illegal mining remain the main threats to the conserva-
tion of Amazonian forests.
The Pacic region, second in terms of forest area, has a signicant rate of forest loss.
Although timber production has decreased, activities such as illegal logging and con-
icts over land tenure remain obstacles to sustainable forest development in the region.
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In the Andean region, although there has been a decrease in forest area, pulp and paper
production has increased, reecting a positive diversication of production. However,
agricultural and urban expansion continue to be threats to forest conservation in this area.
Finally, the Caribbean Region, which has the smallest forest area, has experienced
the second highest rate of forest loss. The conversion of forest lands into agricultural
and urban areas is one of the greatest challenges, and deforestation, land depletion
and climate change are crucial threats to the forests of the Colombian Caribbean.
DISCUSSION
The results obtained in this study on the economic impact of forestation in Colombia
during the period 2013-2023 coincide with previous research that highlights the eco-
nomic and social benets of sustainable forestry. These ndings invite us to reect
on critical aspects that transcend quantitative data, integrating elements linked to
public policies, social equity and environmental sustainability.
Context of economic growth and dynamics. The constant growth of wood produc-
tion in Colombia, with an average annual rate of 5.45%, underlines the importance
of the forestry sector as a key driver of economic development, especially in rural
areas. This increase has been driven by the growing demand for forest products,
government support through public policies and the adoption of more ecient mana-
gement practices. Studies such as that of Gibson et al. (2011) highlight that the global
demand for forest products can stimulate the expansion of areas dedicated to fores-
try, provided it is supported by sustainable policies.
However, the observed uctuations, such as the slowdown in 2020 due to the eects
of the -19 pandemic, highlight the vulnerability of the sector to global crises. This
phenomenon highlights the urgency of developing strategies to strengthen its resi-
lience, such as investments in digital technologies and improvements in supply chains.
It is also a priority to balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
Table 3. Forestry in Colombia by Regions (2013-2023).
Source: Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and this research, 2023 and self made.
Region Forest Area
(2013)
Forest Area
(2023)
Forest Loss
(Annual
Average)
Forest
Production
(2013)
Forest
Production
(2023)
Main
Challenges
Amazon 74,342,000
ha (52%)
68,239,000
ha (48%) 0,80% Wood: 1.2 m
per year
Wood:
800,000 m
annually
Deforestation, Illegal
Mining
Peaceful 10,215,000
ha (30%)
8,762,000
ha (26%) 1,40%
Wood:
800,000 m
annually
Wood:
600,000 m
annually
Deforestation, Illegal
Logging, Land Ten-
ure Conicts
Andean 15,423,000
ha (33%)
13,218,000
ha (29%) 1,20% Wood: 5 m
per year
Wood: 4 m
per year
Pulp and Paper: 1.2
Mt annually
Caribbean 4,978,000 ha
(20%)
3,882,000
ha (16%) 2,20%
Wood:
600,000 m
annually
Wood:
400,000 m
annually
Deforestation, Land
Conversion, Climate
Change
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Job creation and rural development. The increase in employment in the forestry
sector, with an average annual growth rate of 5.29%, constitutes a signicant contri-
bution to rural development. This is crucial, given that rural communities oen face
limited economic opportunities. Studies such as those by Pérez and González (2015)
highlight that sustainable forestry generates direct jobs, related to activities such as
harvesting and forest management, and indirect jobs, in sectors such as transport
and wood processing. In addition, this activity contributes to reducing poverty and
improving the quality of life in these communities.
However, problems related to job insecurity and low wages persist, which limit
the positive impact of the employment generated. Therefore, it is essential to imple-
ment policies that promote better working conditions and greater social security for
workers. This could include tax incentives for companies that formalize employment
and training schemes to increase job skills.
Agricultural diversication and added value. The integration of forestry with
agriculture represents another highlight. Combining forest species with traditional
agricultural systems not only diversies farmers’ income sources, but also improves
soil fertility and water management. Research such as Silva (2016) and Hernández
and López (2014) underlines that this diversication contributes to economic stabi-
lity and the long-term sustainability of agricultural activities.
Despite its benets, the data analyzed indicate that the Colombian forestry sec-
tor still operates below its potential, considering the country’s extensive forest cover.
This highlights the need to strengthen integration between the forestry and agricultu-
ral sectors through economic incentives, technical training and access to technology.
In addition, it would be opportune to explore the creation of more integrated value
chains that connect small producers with national and international markets.
Regional challenges and sustainability. The regional analysis highlights a diver-
sity of challenges and opportunities. For example, the Amazon region faces a high
rate of deforestation due to illegal activities such as mining and logging, while the
Andean region has increased pulp and paper production but remains threatened by
urban and agricultural expansion.
To ensure the sustainability of the forest sector in all regions, it is essential to implement
policies that promote forest conservation, sustainable management of natural resources
and inclusive development. It is also crucial to address structural problems such as land
tenure conicts and soil degradation. Adopting participatory approaches that involve local
communities in decision-making can strengthen the impact of these strategies.
The Colombian forestry sector has therefore shown signicant growth during the
decade under review, with positive impacts on the economy and rural development.
However, it also faces important challenges that require immediate attention. To maxi-
mize the economic and social benets of sustainable forestry, the following actions are
recommended: Strengthen public policies: Promote incentives for the adoption of sustai-
nable practices and invest in technology. Improve working conditions: Guarantee decent
and safe jobs in the forestry sector. Promote agricultural diversication: Integrate fores-
try with agriculture to increase protability and sustainability. Promote research and
education: Promote research projects in forestry technologies and the training of local
communities. Address regional challenges: Design specic strategies for each region,
considering its characteristics and needs. Strengthen value chains: Promote collabora-
tion between small producers and large companies to increase the competitiveness of
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the sector. With these measures, the role of the forestry sector as a pillar of sustainable
development in Colombia can be consolidated.
CONCLUSIONS
The analysis of the Colombian forestry sector between 2013 and 2023 reveals a ste-
ady growth in wood production, with an average annual rate of 5.45%. However, the
slowdown observed since 2020, attributed to the -19 pandemic, has had a nega-
tive impact on the pace of expansion of the sector, although there has been a notable
recovery in 2022. Despite these ups and downs, the sector continues to show signs
of resilience and growth potential, driven by the adoption of new technologies and
collaboration between communities and organizations in the forestry sector.
Employment in the sector has been increasing steadily, with an average annual
rate of 5.29%. However, it is important to note that many of these jobs have preca-
rious working conditions. Furthermore, income generated by forestry production
has grown at a rate of 5.11% annually, representing a key source of livelihood for
rural communities and companies in the sector. The forestry sector has proven to be
crucial for the diversication of agriculture, with an increase of 5.88% in the value
added to agriculture, especially in rural areas.
Despite these advances, Colombia’s forest regions face considerable challen-
ges, especially in terms of deforestation, illegal logging, and the conversion of forest
lands for agricultural and urban activities. The Amazon Region, which is home to
the largest forest area in the country, has been the most aected by forest loss, even
though non-timber products such as fruits and medicinal plants have gained econo-
mic importance. The Pacic Region also faces high rates of deforestation and illegal
logging, while the Andean Region, although showing a decrease in forest area, has
managed to increase pulp and paper production, reecting positive productive diver-
sication. On the other hand, the Caribbean Region has suered the highest rate of
forest loss, with a signicant conversion of forests to agricultural and urban land.
To ensure the sustainability of the forest sector and mitigate these challenges, it
is essential to implement comprehensive policies that promote forest conservation,
sustainable management of natural resources and inclusive economic development.
These policies must be adapted to the particularities of each region, considering the
diverse ecosystems and specic challenges of each area. In addition, it is crucial to
strengthen collaboration between government actors, local communities and sector
organizations to maximize the benets of sustainable forestry and contribute to envi-
ronmental conservation and the economic development of the country.
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