To reinforce the monitoring, surveillance, and protection of the country's ecosystems, park rangers and heads of parks participated in practical training on the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), also known as drones. Chiefs of national parks, including Chagres National Park, received a theoretical introduction on RPA operation, covering navigation systems, batteries, sensors, and cameras, as well as recommendations for preventive and corrective maintenance. During the practical phase, park rangers conducted exercises in manual and assisted takeoff and landing, stability control maneuvers, response to temporary equipment loss, and controlled flights that included pitch, roll, yaw, and progressive climbs, always prioritizing the safety of personnel and equipment. The course also included an update on the current regulations of the Civil Aeronautics Authority (AAC), concerning equipment registration, operation permits, altitude limits, restricted areas, and safety measures to ensure the responsible use of airspace. The use of RPA technology is consolidating as a strategic tool for the management of the country's protected areas, enabling improved surveillance, optimized decision-making, and strengthened natural resource conservation. Chagres National Park, which spans the provinces of Panama and Colón, faces several risks to its ecosystem, such as illegal hunting, mining, and other actions that harm nature.
Chagres Park Rangers Trained in Drone Use for Ecosystem Protection
Park rangers in Panama, including Chagres National Park, were trained in the use of drones to enhance monitoring and protect ecosystems from illegal hunting and mining.
