News and AnalysIs for

Colombia’s Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) said in a statement that it has issued regulations that will define the building of watershed councils, part of a larger plan to govern the use of water.

Pacific Rubiales’ CEO Ronald Pantin rejected allegations from Colombia’s Comptroller that the company’s extraction practices in the Rubiales field are causing environmental damage.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) signed an agreement with the Autonomous Regional Corporations (CAR) creating 10 principals that are to guide environmental management and sustainable development.

Ecopetrol published the results of its 1% environmental compensation fund required by law, destined for the influence area of the Cupiagua oil field and other zones of the Casanare department.

The implementation of new technologies for exploration, the consolidation of off shore drilling projects and shale oil and gas projects sit squarely as priorities for the future of Colombia’s hydrocarbon industry, according to German Arce, president of the National Hydrocarbons Agency (AHN).

Colombia’s National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) expects to have terms of reference for licensing unconventional hydrocarbon projects by November of this year.

The Animals and Nature Defense Association (ADAN) has filed a claim with Colombia’s Public Minister over damages they alleged come from irresponsible environmental practices in the oil industry.

The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MinAmbiente) signed an agreement with two institutes in order to further the study and mapping of moorlands and wetlands affected by the La Niña weather phenomenon.

As part of the 26th annual Bogota International Book Fair, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS) unveiled the book “Environmental Conflicts in Colombia”, in order to help develop the know-how of environmental authorities in the treatment and resolution of environmental conflicts in the country.

Ecopetrol has kicked off its third National Call to Biodiversity, and is on the lookout to invest US$2.2M in conservation projects that focus on the tropical dry forest. From an Ecopetrol press release, translated and with commentary by Hydrocarbons Colombia.