Colombia has the second highest biodiversity in the world but loses nearly 470,000 hectares of forest each year to deforestation. Deforestation impacts rivers through increased siltation and sedimentation, affecting water levels and aquatic life. Illegal drug cultivation has removed 100,000 acres of forest annually as coca is a major driver of illegal deforestation. The government has taken steps to curb deforestation such as initiatives under President Barco, but it remains a problem threatening Colombia's biodiversity.