Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE) has uncovered a significant illegal logging operation inside the protected boundaries of Baru Volcano National Park. The discovery was made during a nationwide holiday patrol targeting environmental crimes in protected zones. Officials identified a deforested area showing signs of unauthorized agricultural expansion and livestock grazing in the Bajo Grande sector of the park.
The joint operation involved park rangers from the National System of Protected Areas and the Environmental Police. It took place over the recent patriotic holidays, a period when authorities say pressure on vulnerable ecosystems often intensifies. A formal report was filed to halt the activities of the alleged perpetrators immediately following the discovery.
Legal Action Initiated Against Perpetrators
MiAMBIENTE has initiated an administrative sanction process against those responsible for the illegal land clearing. The ministry also filed a formal criminal complaint with the Public Ministry, paving the way for potential prosecution. The 1976 executive decree that established the national park explicitly prohibits all forms of forest exploitation, agriculture, and cattle ranching within its protected limits.
These operations seek to reinforce surveillance given the pressure on ecosystems that typically increases during holiday periods. [Translated from Spanish]
The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting Panama’s natural heritage. It stated that these patrols are a critical component of its broader strategy to deter and dismantle environmental crimes. The illegal activity represents a direct violation of the park’s foundational legal protections.
Enhanced Monitoring with Drone and Ranger Technology
Beyond physical patrols, the ministry relies on a sophisticated monitoring plan to safeguard protected areas. This strategy includes aerial surveillance using drones and the implementation of the Earth Ranger platform. This technology helps officials detect and prevent illicit activities against nature more efficiently across vast and often remote territories.
This incident in one of Panama’s most iconic national parks underscores the ongoing challenges in managing the country’s reas protegidas. The discovery of illegal logging and agricultural encroachment during a holiday weekend highlights the persistent threats these conservation zones face. Authorities continue their investigation into the Bajo Grande case.