Surveillance in protected areas of the Colón province has been reinforced with the joint support of park rangers from the Ministry of the Environment (MiAmbiente) and the Environmental Police, with the aim of reducing environmental crimes and protecting the region's nature. This action seeks to prevent illegal activities such as hunting for endangered and protected species, illegal mining, and the pollution of local ecosystems. During recent incursions into the mountains of Colón, several cases of illegal mining have been detected, negatively affecting rivers and streams, as well as poaching activities that put biodiversity at risk. Colón hosts important protected areas such as San Lorenzo National Park, Gatun Lake, Galeta Island, and Portobelo National Park, which are vital for the conservation of the region's fauna and flora. In particular, San Lorenzo National Park has been one of the most visited destinations in November, by both national and foreign tourists. In this park, the administrative staff has been providing guidance to visitors on the appropriate behavior they must maintain to preserve the protected area. MiAmbiente authorities reiterate their commitment to protecting the natural heritage of Colón and assure that they will continue with surveillance operations to guarantee the integrity of these vital spaces for the country's biodiversity.
