A Colombian warlord became the Amazon rainforest’s most unlikely protector. Now he is cutting it down

In the southern Amazon regions of Colombia, a dramatic transformation is occurring where uniform patches of cattle pasture abruptly transition into dense forests, creating a vibrant tapestry of emerald, lime green, and white as vines and tree trunks intertwine. This area is often touted as an international success story, with official reports indicating that deforestation was reduced by 36% last year.

However, for residents living in this fragile ecosystem, the future of the forest is precarious and may hinge on the unpredictable whims of a notorious militia leader. Ivan Mordisco, who has garnered attention as a surprising champion for forest conservation, has recently shifted his focus, posing a serious threat to the upcoming Cop16 biodiversity summit.

“Only one man controls these regions: Ivan Mordisco,” states Miguel Tabares, who fled Guaviare state after rebels threatened his life and killed a colleague involved in ecotourism. “He is the real authority here, and he acts with complete autonomy.”

Mordisco, also known as Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, heads the Central General Staff (EMC), one of Colombia’s largest armed groups. His extensive list of alleged crimes, including drug trafficking and mass violence, has secured him a spot on the U.S. terrorist list and made him a prime target for the Colombian military. Ironically, he also enacted a strict anti-deforestation ban, enforcing it with brutal measures.

As environmental negotiators and political leaders arrive in Cali for the Cop16 summit, Mordisco’s militia is reportedly planning to disrupt the discussions, which has necessitated a heavy police and military presence in the area following a series of violent incidents.

On the eve of the summit, President Gustavo Petro expressed his concerns: “We are all anxious to ensure nothing goes wrong. There are those who would see Cop16 turned into a showcase of death, and those who envision it as a celebration of Colombia’s beauty.”

After years of rampant deforestation, Colombia had achieved significant progress under its first leftist government, with a 20-year low in forest loss. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad described this period as “truly iconic” in the fight against deforestation. Yet, locals and experts fear that Mordisco and the EMC can quickly undo these achievements.

“The EMC controls critical areas vital for Amazon protection, and their influence is deepening in the rainforest,” warns Francisco Daza, a researcher at the Bogotá-based peacebuilding organization Pares. “They present a significant barrier to the government’s environmental initiatives.”

Mordisco, who initially resembled an office worker more than a militant leader, has adeptly consolidated power among former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) fighters. His guerrillas strictly enforced limits on slash-and-burn practices, contributing substantially to the reduction in deforestation.

Once part of the FARC, Mordisco diverged from the peace process in 2016, quickly rising to lead a breakaway faction. By 2022, he had built a fighting force of over 3,000. “He is a highly capable leader who knows how to use violence strategically for his objectives,” notes Gerson Arias, a researcher at the Ideas for Peace Foundation.

Despite a government announcement of his death in 2022, Mordisco resurfaced soon after, claiming a desire for peace. This reinvention occurred alongside Petro’s leftist presidency, which aimed to engage with armed political factions.

To establish a foothold in negotiations, Mordisco set annual deforestation caps in critical regions. Those who violated these limits faced severe penalties, and the EMC’s strategies significantly curtailed deforestation rates for a time.

However, talks with the government halted earlier this year following violent actions by the EMC, leading to the revival of deforestation efforts, which surged by 40% compared to the previous year. “The EMC is not just allowing, but also pressuring farmers to clear more land for agriculture,” reports Angelica Rojas, a liaison officer for Guaviare at the Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development.

As clashes and violence continue, civilians find themselves caught in the crossfire, complicated by fractures within the EMC itself. An insider from a rival faction noted that Mordisco is increasingly adopting a cartel-like approach to leadership.

“Their activities have transformed from supporting local coca cultivation to extensive operations that dominate entire regions,” the source explains. “They might present themselves as a revolutionary force, but their actions tell a different story.”

As the Cop16 summit approaches, Mordisco made headlines again by threatening to derail the conference. “This will fail even if the city becomes militarized,” he warned. Although an EMC spokesperson claimed no intention to attack the summit, recent violent incidents, including a bombing near Cali, raise alarms.

Currently, the Colombian government faces a critical choice: negotiate with Mordisco for forest protection or escalate military efforts to dismantle his operations. According to a UN source monitoring the peace process in Guaviare, “The EMC cares little for deforestation, but they are highly motivated by profit.”