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In a recent study published in the journal Plants, People, Planet, a collaborative effort among scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Huarango Nature, and paramotorists from Forest Air explores the promising role of paramotoring in enhancing research and conservation initiatives in precarious environments.
The research highlights that paramotoring offers a significantly quicker and more sustainable alternative to 4×4 vehicles, with the capability to access remote areas while minimizing carbon dioxide emissions by as much as two-thirds. Importantly, this method causes minimal harm to fragile desert fog habitats and untouched biological crusts.
The paper details an expedition to Peru’s coastal fog deserts, where Kew scientists, aided by a grant from National Geographic explorers, collaborated with professional paramotorists to gather and study plant life in neglected regions.
Confronted with the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, researchers are expanding their methods to effectively collect and protect endangered plant species and their habitats. Essential to these efforts is the ability to conduct fieldwork that allows for specimen collection, population examinations, and mapping of ecosystems.
However, accessing specific locations can be problematic, particularly when the ecological impact of off-road vehicles can outweigh any efficiency gained.
This was evident during a 2022 expedition to the fog oasis desert in Peru, organized by a team from RBG Kew in collaboration with Huarango Nature. The “lomas” or “oasis de niebla” are remarkable ecosystems along the Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile, extending about 3,000 kilometers. These areas receive little rainfall, forcing endemic plant species to rely on fog for moisture.
Home to more than 1,700 species of plants, these ecosystems are highly sensitive to climate change and human impact. Despite nearly a century of research, their mapping remains incomplete, and some species only bloom every decade.
Dr. Carolina Tovar, a Research Leader at RBG Kew, stated, “The lomas are extraordinarily unique ecosystems sustained by seasonal fogs from the Pacific. They transform dramatically during the blooming season, showcasing their endemic plant species. Yet, gaps remain in our understanding of their ecology, which is vital for crafting effective conservation strategies.”
A novel approach to fieldwork
Accessing the lomas is challenging, as traditional off-road vehicles can damage delicate habitats, leading to increased erosion and long-lasting tire tracks. The risk is further compounded when exploration leads to recreational off-roading by enthusiasts, exacerbating habitat degradation.
In response, Kew scientists joined forces with the French nonprofit Forest Air and Brazilian paramotorists from Aita (Escola Nacional De Paramotor). This unique partnership included training paramotorists to identify targeted plant species and methods for specimen collection and preservation.
Márcio Aita Júnior, Director at AITA, reflected, “This experience was transformative. It deepened my understanding of botany and the significance of lomas, as well as their role in society. It highlighted the importance of plant studies for discovering new medicines and food sources. This experience has reshaped my view on conservation.”
The expedition lasted seven days in November 2022, during which the team traversed around 300 miles. Focusing on the “Tillandsiales” habitat, characterized by Tillandsia species, the scientists explored vast areas, although access challenges limited their efforts to just a fraction of the region.
These species are prevalent in Peru’s arid desert but are difficult to study due to their unique adaptations, which render them nearly invisible to satellite tracking.
Mike Campbell-Jones, President of Forest Air, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Bringing scientists and pilots together was an inspiring experience. After a series of delays due to COVID-19, realizing the practical applications of our collaboration was highly rewarding. This unique synergy is poised to become an essential tool for scientific endeavors.”
A faster, eco-friendly way to collect plants
The project assessed how paramotoring stacked up against traditional ground methods in various survey tasks, including measuring ecological damage, tracking plant populations, and documenting human activity through aerial photography.
The paramotorists conducted missions covering up to 28 kilometers, completing each operation approximately 4.5 times faster than ground teams, with some missions potentially being 10 times more efficient. They were also able to capture images of specific areas not easily reached by drones.
When comparing greenhouse gas emissions, the paramotorists produced comparable CO2 levels during short trips but revealed significantly lower emissions during longer missions, generating three times less CO2 than the ground team. Additionally, the impact on the fragile desert landscape was minimal, with paramotorists leaving few traces after landing compared to the extensive damage caused by off-road vehicles.
Dr. Justin Moat, a senior research leader at RBG Kew, noted, “The expedition provided an exciting opportunity for everyone involved. For years, we’ve sought ways to reach areas housing endemic vegetation in the Peruvian desert without creating significant damage. The paramotorists successfully gathered specimens and captured photographic evidence much faster than anticipated.”
The researchers hope their findings will pave the way for other scientists to access remote and sensitive ecosystems more effectively. They also aim to inspire a new generation’s interest in botanical research.
Oliver Whaley, Honorary Research Associate at RBG Kew, remarked, “Plants are often overlooked in conservation discussions, yet they are critical to human life. This study demonstrates that extreme sports enthusiasts can contribute to ecosystem monitoring, safeguarding species, and supporting conservation efforts through scientific collaboration.”
A conservation success
As a culmination of two decades of effort, earlier in the year, the joint work of RBG Kew and Huarango Nature led to the establishment of a large conservation area known as the Lomas y Tillandsiales de Amara y Ullujaya.
This reserve, which encompasses a significant region of the surveyed lomas, was created to conserve its unique biodiversity following extensive negotiations with Peruvian authorities. The area, covering approximately 15,689 acres (6,349 hectares), is crucial for the preservation of endemic plant species, particularly as urban development, off-road activities, wind farms, and mining have begun to encroach on these ecosystems.
Unfortunately, only 4% of the lomas across Peru and Chile are currently under any form of protection, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
More information: Plants, People, Planet (2024). doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10571
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phys.org