Colombian Runoff Election to Decide Future of Amazon Peasant Reserve Zones

Colombian voters will decide on June 21 whether to continue policies supporting peasant reserve zones in the Amazon or shift to a different approach proposed by the far-right candidate.

Peña moved to Guaviare in central Colombia in 1994 to farm after completing military service. He and other residents began the process in 2018 of establishing a peasant reserve zone to secure land rights and limit outside control. The Colombian government approved the request in 2025.

These zones require sustainable development plans and have received government support for conservation activities.

Guaviare lost 350,000 hectares of forest between 2002 and 2025. Many farmers shifted from coca cultivation to cattle raising, which requires more land. In the Guardian of Chiribiquete reserve, nearly half the native forest remains intact. Residents plant native trees and Amazonian fruits while maintaining some cattle operations.

Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round on May 31 by a narrow margin over Iván Cepeda. Farmers in the zones expressed concern that a far-right win could prioritize large-scale agriculture over existing land arrangements. Camilo González Posso stated that a far-right administration could increase violence risks and affect international support for rural programs.

Residents said the next government must address both security and economic needs in rural areas.