Natural Protected Areas (NPAs) present great challenges for effective supervision due to their high cost of operation, the atomization of powers, and the large expanses to be monitored.

Having an effective inspection and surveillance system is indispensable for the adequate management of NPAs. Therefore, we implemented a program to strengthen this work in all of Northwest Mexico. One of the activities of greatest impact this year was the pilot implementation in the Bahía de Loreto National Park, to increase detection and attention to irregular activities.

We installed a long-range surveillance camera, which allows us to make visual tours and monitor 70,000 hectares of marine surface, a third of the park, from the ground. In the first three months of operation – without increasing cost – the detection of irregularities increased in two categories: fishing by 300% and tourism by 1500%.

At Pronatura Noroeste, we are convinced that the application of technology has an enormous potential to promote compliance with the law. The camera, in particular, reinforces the ability to detect illicit activities and reduce operating costs.