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Land Restitution and Deforestation in Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Peralta

    (BETA, University of Strasbourg)

  • Marie Boltz

    (BETA, University of Strasbourg)

  • Philippe Delacote

    (BETA, Université de Lorraine, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Climate Economics Chair)

  • Kenneth Houngbedji

    (DIAL, LEDa, CNRS, IRD, Université Paris-Dauphine)

  • Julien Jacob

    (BETA, University of Strasbourg)

Abstract

We examine the environmental impacts of legal provisions to restore land rights for populations displaced by armed conflict, focusing on Colombia’s Land Restitution Law. Leveraging annual satellite data on forest cover loss, detailed records of the timing and location of restitution claims, and a staggered difference-in-differences strategy, we find that land restitution is associated with increased tree cover loss. Importantly, this effect is not driven by deforestation in primary forests, but rather by forest loss in areas formerly used for agriculture. These findings highlight the environmental trade-offs inherent in post-conflict land reforms. While restoring land rights is critical for transitional justice and economic recovery, attention to environmental outcomes is essential to ensure sustainable and equitable reconstruction.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Peralta & Marie Boltz & Philippe Delacote & Kenneth Houngbedji & Julien Jacob, 2025. "Land Restitution and Deforestation in Colombia," Working Papers DT/2025/06, DIAL (Développement, Institutions et Mondialisation).
    • Handle: RePEc:dia:wpaper:dt202506
    as

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    File URL: https://dial.ird.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-06-Land_Restitution_and_Deforestation_in_Colombia.pdf
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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