In a striking move against environmental conservation, Peru enacted Law 31973, which has significantly altered its Forest and Wildlife law, leading to increased deforestation and legal controversies. Passed hastily in December 2023, this law pardons all historical illegal deforestation for agriculture before January 2024 and dismantles future legal constraints, effectively opening up vast tracts of the Peruvian Amazon to unchecked agricultural expansion. This legislative change was influenced by powerful agricultural and business interests, notably the country's main private business federation, CONFIEP, which lobbied intensely for these amendments. The law's enactment has sparked widespread domestic and international criticism for its potential environmental and human rights impacts, particularly on indigenous communities. These communities, who have seen 30 of their environmental defenders killed between 2010 and 2023, are at increased risk as their ancestral lands are threatened by expanding agricultural activities. Critics argue that the law not only contravenes Peru's commitments under various international environmental agreements but also undermines the rights and protections for indigenous peoples. Resistance to the law is growing, with various civil society groups, indigenous organisations, and regional governments calling for its repeal. They argue that the law was passed without proper consultation and violates both human rights and environmental protection statutes. The regional government of San Martín has even filed a claim of unconstitutionality against the law. Internationally, the law has raised concerns about Peru's commitment to global forest conservation efforts, particularly in light of the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation set to take effect in December 2024.