Moat et al. 2024 (Article) Tillandsia Loma, deserts, Peru

Beyond 4 x 4: Paramotoring a novel approach to accelerate plant exploration in challenging environments

Author(s):—J. Moat, C. Tovar, G. Lewis, A. Orellana G., M. Bailetti, J. Capcha R., Y. Quispe D., M.C. Arteaga, M. Campbell J., M.A. Júnior, L. Gomes, S. Laurido, P. Hechenleitner & O. Whaley

Publication:—Plants People Planet 2025(7):87–104. (2024) — DOI

Abstract:—In the face of an urgent climate and environmental crisis, we explore the potential of paramotoring to expand scientific reach and collection capability without the environmental harm associated with off-road vehicles.

In Peru's fog oasis desert, we brought together paramotor experts and scientists to conduct missions involving monitoring, plant sampling, surveying, sensor placement and transportation. We compared the environmental impact and time taken by paramotoring with surveys conducted using off-road vehicles and walking.

Shorter paramotor missions showed small differences in CO2 equivalents and time efficiency compared to off-road vehicles. However, longer missions (28 km from base camp) revealed up to nine times faster travel and two thirds less CO2 equivalent emissions. Notably, off-road vehicles left a substantial environmental footprint (700 to 8000 m2 per km), whilst paramotors had a minimal impact, with a tiny surface ‘footprint’ of just a few square metres, representing orders of magnitude (1000 to 10,000) less environmental impact. With basic training in identification and sampling, paramotorists collected plant specimens that are invaluable for ongoing and future scientific study.

Whilst logistical and safety challenges in transporting scientists via paramotors need further investigation, the benefits, especially compared to surface travel, are evident. Integrating extreme sports into scientific endeavour promises wider and more comprehensive exploration, new discoveries and increased engagement across diverse communities—and in summary—offers significant potential to address urgent environmental challenges.

Keywords:—citizen science, deserts, ecological damage, inventory and monitoring, remote sensing, South America, specimen collections