Washington, DC — Colombian Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Carlos Eduardo Correa visited Washington, DC to strengthen cooperation between the Colombian and U.S. governments and international organizations in order to promote and support the management of sustainable environmental development in the region.
Minister Correa met with officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congress and the International Conservation Caucus, Oceans and Climate Solution (ICCF). Partners and allies from the international cooperation sector and private sector also participated in the discussions.
Among the topics they discussed are the fight against deforestation and the integration of the countries that manage the Amazon biome through the Leticia Pact.
“From the Ministry we are firmly committed to the bilateral agenda on sustainable development, so this is an opportunity to consolidate international cooperation,” said Minister Correa prior to the visit. “I am sure that this will be a productive trip that will allow us to continue working towards the environmental goals that we have set for this department, as well as the protection and conservation of the environment and the sustainable use of our natural resources.
“Colombia and the United States are great allies on many different issues, and we have worked together for decades on sustainable development,” the Minister continued. “Our people and institutions continue to cooperate and collaborate for the welfare of the world and in ways that benefit both our countries.”
Minister Correa pointed to several sustainability goals set by the National Government. In December 2020, President Iván Duque announced the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, a commitment Colombia consigned in the Paris Agreement; also by 2030, Colombia is striving to achieve zero deforestation and by 2050, carbon neutrality, with support of different national sectors and the international community.
Minister Correa's official visit to the U.S. capital responded to the work carried out by the Ministry of the Environment at the international level, which is decisive in promoting the implementation of the environmental and development agenda and continuing to achieve the extension of protected areas, reforestation and restoration of ecosystems, such as coral reefs, among other issues.