Development and adoption of the first Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) protocol for zero-deforestation in Colombia’s agricultural supply chains

To address the lack of a unified system for tracking environmental compliance, Colombia collaborated with the CGIAR Initiative on Low-Emission Food Systems, led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, to develop its first national Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) protocol for zero deforestation. This science-based framework replaces fragmented voluntary agreements with a standardized roadmap tailored to Colombia’s unique agricultural landscape. The protocol’s official government adoption in 2023 enhances institutional transparency and ensures alignment with international trade standards like the EU Deforestation Regulation. Ultimately, this milestone secures global market access for Colombian producers while establishing the country as a regional leader in sustainable supply chain management.