Stories from Colombia

Net profits for 150 healthcare institutions (IPSs) in Colombia rose to 7.1 trillion pesos in 2025. This represents an increase from the 5.22 trillion pesos reported in 2024. A Ministry of Health report identified the Santander University Hospital as one of the ten institutions with the highest utility in the last year.

Women's groups in Colombia are establishing forest nurseries to support local ecosystems. This method involves monitoring existing tree stumps and seeds in previously forested zones to encourage disorganized regrowth of branches and new plants. The practice was adapted from methods used on the African continent. It avoids the need to plant individual trees by leveraging natural regrowth from existing biological material. The process involves adopting naturally growing seedlings and applying pruning techniques similar to those used in lemon or avocado agricultural plantations. This method allows trees to absorb nutrients more rapidly. Practitioners report that trees grow five to six times faster using this technique compared to leaving them to grow without intervention.

Colombia experienced over 110,000 hectares of deforestation in 2004. Recent figures for 2025 show a decrease to approximately 80,000 hectares per year. This level of forest loss remains significantly high compared to European standards. The data was discussed during a commemorative event regarding environmental concerns. The organization states that ongoing forest loss is degrading ecosystems and causing a loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. World Vision is implementing global methodologies to attempt to restore these ecosystems.

Police in Colombia are investigating an individual who attempted to attack guests at a hotel. The suspect is facing charges under Federal Law 924, including the use of weapons to promote violence.

Biologists from Carder are studying the ecological impact of the tapir in forest ecosystems. The animals act as 'gardeners of the forest' by consuming large quantities of vegetation. Their movement through the forest creates small clearings that allow new plant life to emerge. This process facilitates forest regeneration through the animal's size and feeding habits.

Carlos Galán, a leading candidate for the presidency of Colombia, has been assassinated.

Researchers have documented the ecosystem value of the Mountain Tapir in Colombia. Researchers have identified tapirs in good physical condition within the Colombian Andes. The specific species found is the smallest of the tapir varieties and is distinguished by its darker, blackish fur. These findings are part of ongoing observations of the species in the central Andes region. The discovery highlights unique biodiversity within the Colombian Andean zone. The tapirs can weigh an average of 120 kilograms, with some specimens reported up to 170 kilograms. The animals feature distinct white hair on the tips of their ears. There is a noted weight difference between males and females of the species. The findings provide further detail on the physical traits and weight ranges of these mammals.

Researchers captured over 30,000 images of fauna and flora in a natural basin last year. Approximately 1,600 of these images were identified as highly for study. The species observed represented nearly 60% of the total areas where cameras were deployed. The data collection process involved placing cameras across various terrains to monitor biodiversity. Researchers report that large mammals, including the mountain tapir, hold immense ecosystem value in Colombia. Data indicates these animals are present in nearly 60% of the areas where cameras have been deployed. The species plays a critical role in ecosystem succession by modifying environments and influencing vegetation cover changes. A specimen of the world's smallest tapir species, characterized by dark blackish fur, was located in the Colombian central Andes.

A cylinder bomb exploded on a section of the Pan-American highway in the Cauca department of southwest Colombia on Saturday. The explosion was allegedly carried out by dissidents of the FARC. Authorities are investigating the incident. No specific casualty counts were provided in the report. Former US President Barack Obama commented on the incident via social media, stating such attacks have no place in a democracy. Obama also expressed concern regarding an officer who was wounded during the operation.

Aguilas Doradas drew 2-2 against Once Caldas in a Colombian professional football match. The draw eliminates Aguilas Doradas from contention for the top eight positions. Once Caldas secured qualification following the result. Goals for Aguilas Doradas were scored by a penalty in the 65th minute and defender Joaquín Varela. Once Caldas goals were scored by Daíro Moreno and another player.