Bogotá, March 3, 2026 – The Ministry of Transportation, in coordination with the National Roads Institute (Invías), has officially launched a national guide establishing mandatory measures to prevent wildlife roadkill in Colombia’s road, rail, and river infrastructure projects.
Supported by the National Infrastructure Agency and the National Road Safety Agency, the guide aims to make biodiversity protection a technical standard within the environmental component of infrastructure development.
The initiative responds to a growing problem on Colombian roads. Between 2017 and 2025, 1,591 incidents of wildlife collisions were reported, resulting in 615 fatalities and 976 injuries. These figures highlight that wildlife roadkill is not only an environmental concern but also a significant road safety risk.
Under the new guidelines, contractors must include specific measures to prevent wildlife collisions throughout the planning, design, construction, and operation stages of infrastructure projects. Measures include specialized warning signage in critical corridors, speed management in areas with wildlife presence, and the implementation of safe crossings for animals.
During the launch, Minister of Transportation Mafe Rojas emphasized that national development must go hand in hand with the protection of life:
“We cannot speak of progress if lives are left behind. Protecting wildlife on our roads also means protecting Colombian families.”
Invías Director General Juan Guillermo Jiménez added that modern infrastructure must combine connectivity with sustainability, and stressed that wildlife collisions are a preventable impact through proper technical planning.
This strategy aligns with the National Road Safety Plan 2022–2031 and the institutional initiative ‘Rutas Vivas’, which promotes a mobility model integrating road safety, environmental sustainability, and local responsibility.
With the launch of this guide, the Colombian government takes a step toward an infrastructure model that strengthens regional connectivity while safeguarding the country’s biodiversity.
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