Talking About Colombia

Frank Pearl is leading Colombia’s environment ministry, which is still small in man-power, and lacks much economic and technological support.

However, Pearl said his ministry will take measures against companies, especially in the booming oil and mining sectors, that abuse the environment and fail to abide by protection norms. It will also seek out international firms with strong environmental practices and have them train other companies.

Direct foreign investment last year was almost $15 billion, up from just $2.1 billion in 2002. Much of that was in oil and mining. The rise in foreign investment is a result of better security.

Pearl started his career in the private sector before becoming a peace commissioner during the Uribe administration.