The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente), through the National System of Protected Areas (SINAP), has registered 124 reports of actions at the national level. These are the result of land and sea patrols deployed to prevent and address environmental incidents during the 2026 Carnival festivities. Among the critical high-priority actions addressed were cases of illegal logging, changes in land use, mass vegetation fires (IMAVE), damage to mangroves, rescue and relocation of wildlife, as well as possible agricultural expansion within protected areas. According to the entity, incidents related to mass vegetation fires and illegal logging were detected in Camino de Cruces National Park, where a chainsaw and fuel were seized. In the Multiple Use Area of the Mangroves of Chame Bay, a fire that affected approximately 0.75 hectares of grassy vegetation was extinguished, and 111 red mangrove 'tucas', a boat, and equipment used for logging were seized. Also, in the Caña Island Wildlife Reserve, a report of a turtle (Lepidochelys olivácea) attacked by dogs was handled, applying the corresponding protocol. Meanwhile, in the Filo del Tallo-Canglón Hydrological Reserve and La Amistad International Park, indications of land use change and expansion of agricultural activities were identified, initiating the respective administrative processes. The patrols also included strengthening access control and visitor supervision in parks such as Isla Bastimentos, Santa Fe, and Playa La Barqueta, as well as sea turtle monitoring, community environmental education, and the recovery of strategic surveillance points, such as at the Punta Patiño Ramsar Wetland. These actions are part of the national deployment to prevent environmental crimes, guarantee visitor safety, and safeguard natural resources.
