Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon

This report analyzes the risks associated with oil and gas expansion in the Colombian Amazon, arguing that the economic and energy security justifications for such expansion are poorly substantiated. It advocates for the permanent removal of unassigned hydrocarbon blocks and a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry to protect biodiversity and Indigenous rights.

• The report argues that the justifications for expanding oil and gas activities in the Colombian Amazon based on energy security and economic profitability are not well-supported, and that such activities threaten carbon sinks, biodiversity, and the human rights of local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
• The report provides several policy recommendations to transition away from fossil fuels, including the permanent cancellation of unassigned blocks in the National Hydrocarbon Agency's Mapa de Tierras, the protection of key biodiversity areas, and the planning of a managed decline for the fossil fuel industry in Putumayo and other departments.
• Transitioning away from fossil fuels in the region is presented as a way to align with Colombia's USD 40 billion climate and nature investment plan and attract investment in green sectors such as sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and renewables.

APA

Ruiz,, I. A. B. A. Y. P. B. V. K. G. H. J. (2025). Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/oil-gas-expansion-colombia-amazon

Chicago

Ruiz,, Ignacio Arróniz,Anna Bebbington,Paola Andrea Yanguas Parra,Olivier Bois von Kursk,Carlos Gaitán,Pablo Hernán Jamioy,Daniela. Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/oil-gas-expansion-colombia-amazon.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ruiz, |first1=Ignacio Arróniz,Anna Bebbington,Paola Andrea Yanguas Parra,Olivier Bois von Kursk,Carlos Gaitán,Pablo Hernán Jamioy,Daniela |title=Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=19 August 2025 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/oil-gas-expansion-colombia-amazon |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ruiz2025oil, author = {Ruiz,, Ignacio Arróniz,Anna Bebbington,Paola Andrea Yanguas Parra,Olivier Bois von Kursk,Carlos Gaitán,Pablo Hernán Jamioy,Daniela}, title = {{Oil and Gas Expansion in the Colombian Amazon}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2025}, month = aug, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/oil-gas-expansion-colombia-amazon}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }