From May 18 through May 23, the Phoenix Fund conducted a series of training sessions in Vladivostok on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) basic control skills for the employees of the Bikin National Park and the State Nature Biosphere Reserve Khankaisky. Phoenix’s unique experience in the operation and use of drones for environmental protection is being increasingly in demand among environmental agencies lately.
Four inspectors of the newly created national park Bikin and two employees of the Khankaisky reserve did an intensive course on the theory of UAV operation, the Air Code that regulates this type of activity, and accident prevention. During the practical training, the participants were able to consolidate acquired knowledge; each of them performed several training flights independently.
From May 26 through May 28, an additional UAV training was conducted by the employee of the Phoenix Fund Alexander Vrisch for three employees of the ANO Wildlife Conservation Society.
It will be recalled that the Phoenix Fund has been organizing trainings and acquiring drones for PAs and other nature protection agencies for four years now, being a pioneer in the field of UAV’s use for environmental purposes in the south of the Russian Far East. Since 2013, more than 50 specialists from 11 protected areas and other organizations have been trained by Phoenix’s staff.
This July, Phoenix together with the Land of the Leopard National Park and with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) plans to hold a First Far-eastern workshop on advanced techniques for working with UAVs. Specialists from different PAs and conservation organizations who have already completed the first stage of training and have basic skills in drones operation will deepen their knowledge, get acquainted with the latest technologies in the use of drones and further develop pilot skills in the course of the workshop.
