DENR mulls use of unmanned drone to monitor forests

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI is considering the use of an unmanned drone to monitor forests in Southern Mindanao as part of efforts to eradicate illegal logging in the region.

The drones can fly over remote forests and take pictures of the area if they detect illegal logging activities there.

The drones could also confirm earlier aerial reconnaissance undertaken by the DENR in partnership with the Philippine Air Force.

DENR-XI regional executive director Marcus Fragada said he requested that the SkyHigh drone project of the DENR be tested in the region, and personnel from DENR-XI would fly to Manila next week to be oriented about the project.

“I volunteered that the project be piloted in the region because it will augment the systems we have been putting in place,” Fragada added.

Intensified anti-illegal logging operations with the support of the military have drastically reduced illegal logging in the region. The number of illegal logging hotspots went down from 66 in the previous years to 16 in the first half of 2013.