Panama's newest park rangers patrol the waters of Coiba National Park

As the sun rose over the tropical jungle of Coiba Island, a group of rangers began their daily tasks of safeguarding the island’s biodiversity. Located off the Pacific coast of Panama, Coiba Island was the largest of 38 islands within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Coiba National Park, covering 2,700 square kilometers, mostly dedicated to marine reserves.

The island was home to a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered animals like the scarlet macaw and hawksbill turtle. To strengthen the protection of these vulnerable species and the surrounding ecosystem, the ranger team on Coiba expanded to 42 members. This increase aimed to counter threats such as illegal fishing, wildlife poaching and drug trafficking in the area.