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Coca cultivation could proliferate in Central America

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Significance

Coca cultivation has historically taken place almost exclusively in Colombia, Bolivia and Peru, but eradication efforts in those countries and the continued growth of the global cocaine market has encouraged the development of plantations elsewhere.

Impacts

  • Corruption risks will increase still further if Central American criminal groups grow in strength.
  • Deforestation could increase as land is cleared to make way for coca.
  • Contamination could worsen if human and industrial waste is improperly disposed of.

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