Under the leadership of Minister Juan Carlos Navarro, the Ministry of Environment commemorates on January 18th the Day of the Park Ranger, honoring the men and women responsible for safeguarding biodiversity in the coasts, mountains, and forests of Panama. Within this framework, established by Decree No. 35 of 1997, the ministry highlights the incorporation of over 230 new agents and the strengthening of surveillance in the country's 123 protected areas. "For President José Raúl Mulino, it is fundamental that these environmental heroes have institutional backing, equipment, and continuous training," stated the head of MiAMBIENTE. The entity has allocated resources to optimize operational capacity in the field. Through the Park Ranger School, 11 training classes have been completed, integrating more than 230 new agents, including 41 women. In terms of mobility, 70 vehicles have been distributed nationwide, and the weekly supply of food for personnel in remote stations is guaranteed. Regarding professionalization, workshops on patrolling, community management, and technology use have been conducted. Currently, the SINAP has an operational force of over 560 park rangers and 50 technicians, responsible for monitoring the 123 protected areas that make up Panama's natural heritage. Each agent has been provided with fatigues, specialized footwear, navigation tools, and essential supplies. The participation of 13 park directors in specialized courses in Yellowstone and Colorado, USA, as well as technical training in Costa Rica and joint diplomas with the Environmental Police and the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), is highlighted. Minister Navarro emphasized that caring for nature fundamentally means caring for those on the front line. This date, January 18th, holds profound historical significance, originating from a tragic accident in 1980 in Veraguas where officials died while returning from a training session.
