Colombia's next government rejects hippo euthanasia, revives fracking

The incoming administration of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is set to pivot Colombia's environmental policy, rejecting the lethal control of invasive hippos while resuming pilot tests for fracking, drawing both criticism and support from different quarters.

Hippo management reversal

The current government had planned to euthanize at least 80 hippos in the Magdalena Medio to curb the population explosion of descendants from Pablo Escobar's private zoo. Source: infobae However, Fabio Arjona, the designated Minister of Environment under De la Espriella, has categorically ruled out lethal measures. "For me, lethal control is not going to be a solution," he said. "We have to look for a smarter solution." Source: portafolioco Arjona acknowledged the severe ecological impact—hippos displace native fauna and alter wetlands—but argued that the population is now too large for culling. "If it had been done in its time, we would not have the problem we have today," he added. Source: elcolombiano This stance contradicts the recommendations of international bodies like the Convention on Biological Diversity, which endorses lethal control. Source: lasillavacia Critics maintain that lethal control remains a necessary, ethical tool for managing invasive species, citing successful cases such as goat eradication in the Galápagos. Source: lasillavacia

Fracking and deforestation challenges

Another major shift is the revival of fracking pilot projects, which the new government sees as crucial for energy security but environmentalists warn could cause severe water and soil contamination. Source: infobae Meanwhile, deforestation in the Amazon increased by 6% in 2025, and armed groups continue to drive illegal mining and land clearing in strategic ecosystems. Experts call for strengthening state presence and sustainable financing. Source: infobae