The arrival of Starlink technology in the Nature Conservation Project of the Rio Cautário Extractive Reserve in Rondônia, Brazil, represented a transformative milestone in firefighting. Previously, communication required travel to places with internet, resulting in significant delays in receiving alerts – often arriving with a 30-minute to one-hour lag, compromising the effectiveness of the action of environmental defense agents.
With the implementation of Starlink, in 2023, a regular contact routine was established during monitoring, maintaining constant communication with the Geographic Information System (GIS) team. The Orora system, responsible for receiving fire alerts, operates integrated with satellite connectivity, allowing immediate response to emergencies, illegal deforestation and other occurrences. Thus, Starlink’s mobile access has been fundamental to the success of the agents’ actions and to the plan to protect the area.
The modernization also included the incorporation of drones for monitoring in hard-to-reach areas, providing real-time assessment of local conditions and the presence of people before the teams approach. This technology optimizes operational planning and tactical decision-making.
The Smart system, also connected through Starlink’s signal, complements the technological arsenal by automatically creating reports during field operations. The tool tracks routes traveled and allows you to attach photographs instantly, eliminating the need for manual post-operation reporting.
The digital transformation has resulted in substantial improvement in response speed, operational accuracy, and effective reserve protection. Teams now have real-time information, precise coordinates and uninterrupted communication, significantly raising the quality of forest protection.
Evidence of this improvement happened in 2024, when the Resex faced challenging months in terms of climate, with extreme temperatures and severe droughts. Thanks to the work of environmental protection agents, who relied on Starlink’s connection to integrate and optimize the technologies available, there were no fires during this period.
In another situation, the agents received a request for help to fight a fire in the Rio Guaporé Indigenous Land, located around the Resex. The coordination quickly identified the fire source and the exact places to open firebreaks and isolate the spread. As a result, the fire was extinguished within 48 hours.
It is clear that the arrival of Starlink technology has brought benefits that go beyond just improving operational efficiency. It has translated into ecosystem conservation, biodiversity preservation, and protection of environmental assets, benefits that sustain local social development and consolidate the project’s mission to conserve the Amazon Rainforest.
Learn more about the Rio Cautário Extractive Reserve Nature Conservation Project here.
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