DART-Joby AMAP: Empowering Futures, Fostering Growth

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Monterey Bay DART and Joby Aviation call for Advance Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program applications.

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The DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP) is a collaboration between the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative and Joby Aviation, dedicated to meeting rapidly scaling industry needs and advancing inclusive economic mobility efforts in the Monterey Bay region. The DART-Joby AMAP has demonstrated remarkable success in establishing trusted industry-local workforce relationships, refining recruitment and training processes, and ultimately securing family-sustaining wage job outcomes by establishing productive partnerships between Joby Aviation and community-based organizations, academic institutions, and economic development entities.

The DART-Joby AMAP consists of 6-month paid apprenticeships, under the direction of highly skilled Joby Aviation personnel, that result in upskilling local community members to meet increased demand for advanced manufacturing technicians, robot operation and maintenance, and other entry-level aerospace career pathways. 

Since its launch in fall 2022, the DART-Joby AMAP has facilitated remarkable success. With 23 apprentices enrolled from a pool of over 200 applicants, 20 have transitioned to full-time employment at Joby in 2023. The success of this partnership is seen in the creation of increased opportunities and pathways for underserved community members, as well as continued growth and expansion of cutting edge technology companies within the region. 

“Our partnership with DART has unlocked numerous promising career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and established a model for developing the workforce of the future.” said Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation. “As we redefine the future of mobility, we have an opportunity to change the face of aerospace and make opportunities available to a more diverse workforce of talented individuals.”

In light of these measures of success, the established DART-Joby AMAP is ready to scale and meet the increasing skilled worker demand at Joby Aviation. The next round of funding from the Irvine Foundation Priority Communities Initiative builds on this established momentum in several ways including: 

  • Scaling the Workforce: supporting  Joby’s projected 690-worker growth trajectory by expanding the DART-Joby AMAP in California
  • Curriculum Development: creating advanced manufacturing-oriented curriculum for integration into local community colleges and workforce training centers
  • Community Access: expanding recruitment collaborations with community-based organizations to ensure broader community access to innovation-driven tech career pathways

“We are thrilled the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program pilot has proven effective in opening up new, high-road career pathways for Salinas and Pajaro Valley residents, and has demonstrated to Joby and other emerging technology companies the tremendous potential of this region for supporting their appropriate scale growth” said Josh Metz, DART Executive Director. “It is a privilege to have the strong support of the James Irvine Foundation, active partnership with the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative and other community-base organizations, and continued engagement with Joby Aviation. We are honored to serve this role supporting the emergence of such an exciting industry, while contributing to realizing a more accessible and inclusive economy.”

The DART-Joby AMAP will continue to provide specialized education and skills training aligned with business needs, made possible by its longstanding collaboration with educational institutions throughout the region. Additionally, the DART-Joby AMAP will empower underserved populations, promote diversity in entrepreneurship, and offer training and employment opportunities to marginalized communities. By addressing these challenges head-on, the DART-Joby AMAP will continue to create a more equitable and prosperous future for the Central Coast region. 

If you or someone you know is interested in the 2024 DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP) Cohort, please enter your information here. We will notify you when recruitment opens.

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Monterey Bay DART and Joby Aviation Announce Call for Applications for Next Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program Cohort

MARINA, CA –Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technologies (DART) Initiative and Joby Aviation, Inc. are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP) cohort. This collaborative initiative aims to address the rapidly scaling industry needs and advance inclusive economic mobility efforts in the Monterey Bay region.

The DART-Joby AMAP is a testament to the success of industry-local workforce relationships, recruitment, and training processes. Established in fall 2022, the program has demonstrated remarkable outcomes, facilitating the transition of apprentices into full-time employment at Joby Aviation. Since its inception, over 60 apprentices have participated, with more than 90% transitioning into permanent positions at Joby as technicians, inspectors, and supervisors.

“Our partnership with DART has unlocked numerous promising career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and established a model for developing the workforce of the future,” said Joby Aviation President of Operations Bonny Simi. “As we redefine the future of mobility, we have an opportunity to change the face of aerospace and make opportunities available to a more diverse workforce of talented individuals.”

Building on this success, the DART-Joby AMAP is poised to scale further with the support of the Irvine Foundation Priority Communities Initiative. The program will expand its reach, supporting Joby’s projected 690-worker growth trajectory, developing an advanced manufacturing-oriented curriculum, and ensuring broader community access to innovation-driven tech career pathways.

“We are thrilled the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program pilot has proven effective in opening up new, high-road career pathways for Salinas and Pajaro Valley residents,” said Executive Director of Monterey Bay DART Josh Metz. “It is a privilege to have the strong support of the James Irvine Foundation, an active partnership with Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), and ongoing engagement with Joby Aviation.”

The DART-Joby AMAP will continue to provide specialized education and skills training aligned with business needs, empowering underserved populations and promoting diversity in entrepreneurship. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for the 2024 cohort to join this transformative program.

For more information and to register interest, visit: www.mbdart.org/joby-amap/ 

About Monterey Bay DART

The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technologies (DART) initiative is a non-profit dedicated to advancing innovation and creating high-road career pathways in the fields of drone, automation, and robotics technology. To learn more, visit: www.montereybaydart.org.

About Joby

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit: www.jobyaviation.com.

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2023 Year in Review

Monterey Bay DART Year in Review: Soaring High in 2023!

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2023 Year in Review

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, we want to express our sincere gratitude for being part of the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) community. It has been a year filled with innovation, growth, and exciting developments, and we’re thrilled to share our Year in Review with you.

A Year of Achievements:

  • In October, Monterey Bay DART and CSUMB secured a $1.95 million grant from the James Irvine Foundation. This funding will build on our momentum, expanding the DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), launching the DART-FarmNG AMAP, strengthening partnerships with CBOs, and enhancing DART’s organizational capacity. 

Highlighting Key Projects:

  • Monterey Bay DART, in partnership with the Hatamiya Group, is finalizing a Feasibility Study which assessed the demand for a Regional Workforce Training Center focused on preparing the local workforce for the jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, drones, automation, and robotics technology. Expected completion in Q1 2024.
  • The CITRIS Center for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay DART are continuing to make significant progress on our collaborative DART Workforce Skills Demand Study. This study is actively assessing the current and future workforce skills demand for the use of drones in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, construction monitoring, and related fields within the tri-county region. Expected completion in Q2 2024.
  • In June, Monterey Bay DART supported the planning, marketing and implementation of the UCANR Drone Camp at CSUMB, including 8 Drone Camp scholarships in partnership with Building Healthy Communities in Seaside. The UCANR Drone Camp celebrated its 6th year in Monterey acknowledging DART’s instrumental role in facilitating the UCANR and CSUMB collaboration.

Community Collaboration:

Our thriving community is at the heart of everything we do. This year, we’ve fostered even stronger partnerships and collaborations. Together, we’ve shared insights, exchanged ideas, and collectively worked towards shaping the future of community and economic development in our region.

  • In November, the Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group celebrated Joby Aviation’s $9.8M Cal Competes Grant to expand their facility at Marina Airport. This award will leverage a $41.3 million investment by Joby, creating 690 full-time jobs statewide by 2027. Locally, this will open hundreds of job opportunities, building on the DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship pilot program.
  • In March, Monterey Bay DART hosted a delegation from the Kern Career Technical Education Campus (CTEC). Participants from Monterey Bay included Cabrillo College, UCSC, CSUMB, Monterey County, Learning For Life Charter School, MBEP, and Joby Aviation.
  • Additionally, DART was represented at the following community outreach events during the past year:
    • Black August 2023
    • Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce – Economic Vitality Committee
    • California Special Districts Association Annual Meeting
    • EDGE Collaborative iHub Convening, Manteca
    • ChicoStart – North State Familiarity Tour
    • SIEDI Annual Convening 2023 
    • MBEP State of the Region 2023 
    • CALED Annual Conference, Los Angeles 2023
    • DOT Inter-Agency Working Group on Advanced Air Mobility, October 2023

Industry Events and Engagements:

Looking Ahead to 2024:

As we embark on a new year, Monterey Bay DART is committed to exploring new frontiers and continuing to lead the way in the ever-evolving landscape of drone, automation, and robotics technology.

Thank You for Your Support:

None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our community, partners, and stakeholders. As we reflect on the past year, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting developments, projects, and collaborations in 2024!

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

SIEDI Delegation Explores FIRA-USA 2023

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Author: Barbara Meister, SIEDI Mentor

A SIEDI (Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative) delegation explored the emerging world of robotics in agriculture by attending the FIRA-USA conference in September at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds. Participants included representatives from Mujeres en Acción, ALBA and Loaves, Fishes and Computers along with the Ag Tech class from Rancho Cielo. 

Drone Pavilion

The conference drew entrepreneurs, academics, government scientists, graduate students, venture capitalists, journalists and growers from all parts of the globe. Thanks to our partners at DART, 12 of us had the chance to see field-level robotic demonstrations, meet company representatives, and hear panel discussions about the emergence of robotics and mechanization of agriculture, its promises and possibilities, and the threats and opportunities that come with technological innovation.   

SIEDI leaders had several key takeaways and lots of questions.   Robotics is driven, at least in part, by the shortage of farm labor. Robotics and the mechanization of production agriculture will certainly change work.  

Some new jobs will be created as robotics will require engineering and programming skills for their creation and problem-solving applications. Could these be job opportunities for graduates of Hartnell and CSUMB’s new Mechatronics program? Could the sons and daughters of farm workers be prepared for these jobs? 

Drone Pavilion

Some jobs will be replaced, not immediately, but over time. There is not a robotic solution to harvest strawberries in the field (yet?) because it is difficult for a robotic eye to see the fruit under the leafy canopy of a strawberry plant. A more likely robotic application will be a machine to cut the pre-harvest berry runners and replace those jobs. For a grower, the higher return on labor is during harvest, not during pre-harvest maintenance of the plant.  

Some jobs are at present being replaced. The mechanized PlantTape,  only needs 2 workers to operate it when typically there are 8 or more workers riding a machine and feeding transplants into the soil.  

Some jobs will become safer. We saw an autonomous sprayer that could run at night, by itself and thus eliminate or reduce pesticide exposure for workers. On the other hand, the job of a sprayer often pays a $2-3 per hour premium, and is an attractive job for some because of the higher pay. What happens to these workers when they are replaced by machines?  

Ag Demonstration

Some jobs will be made more efficient. We saw smaller robots, called Burro and Amiga, that could carry small loads behind or alongside a worker, reducing physical burdens and increasing time-labor efficiency. For piece-rate crops, like strawberries, the time a harvester spends carrying a carton of berries to the end of the row is money lost. Will the cost-savings of a robot flow to the worker because they are more productive now? 

SIEDI leaders concluded that at present, robots have both the potential to be a complement to making work safer, less physically demanding, and more efficient for workers AND robots can displace workers. We are  eager to explore the questions of opportunities and threats to our Salinas Valley workforce. How do we create a pathway for the  jobs being created by innovation in ag tech for our youth? How do we re-skill and up-skill those currently work to plant and harvest our food? What impact will robots have on wages for farm workers?  

Drone Pavilion

As SIEDI prepares for its plan of work for the next two years, we are eager to have more conversations, starting with farm workers themselves – what do they want from ag tech? And with small farmers, can robots improve efficiencies at small scale? What capacity do our educational institutions, adult schools and community colleges have for upskilling and re-skilling our current workers? What kind of partnerships can we create alongside these institutions, including CSUMB and UCSC, to prepare our Salinas Valley students for the design, engineering, programming and manufacturing of ag tech? We are eager to talk with farmers who are using and experimenting with ag tech to find out what they are learning and the impact on their labor force. And we want to talk to the ag tech companies in our region  to understand what problems they are trying to solve and their workforce needs.   

Robotics and automation are happening. SIEDI is ready to be proactive in mitigating the downsides and shape how this innovation can enable more Salinas Valley families to be included in the economic opportunities this technology will create.

DART Workforce Skills Demand Study

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CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at UC Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative collaborate on DART Workforce Skills Demand Study in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties

The CITRIS Center for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative are pleased to announce their collaboration on a groundbreaking DART Workforce Skills Demand Study. The study aims to assess the current and future workforce skills demand for the use of drones in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, construction monitoring, and related fields within Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties.

Complete the DART Skills Demand Survey

Contribute your responses to the DART Skills Demand survey to help shape modern workforce training programs

Take the Survey

The mission of the study is to determine the industry demand for drone operation skills in the tri-county area, while also identifying the skills gap that needs to be addressed through appropriate training and development to meet the expected industry demands. By focusing on advancing quality jobs growth and fostering local economies that benefit all residents, this effort aims to leverage the inherent assets, talents, and leadership within our communities.

As part of this study, UCSC-CIDER and Monterey Bay DART are reaching out to businesses and individuals in these industries to gain survey participation and engagement with the study. Participants will have the chance to contribute to this important study aiming to ensure our regional workforce is well-prepared to deliver in-demand workforce skills. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the final report upon its completion. We invite businesses and professionals in the industry to sign up to contribute their insights and participate in the survey here.

“The increased opportunities for jobs using drones and automation are wide ranging and potentially life changing. We’re excited to be able to partner with Monterey Bay DART on this important project so provide a more comprehensive and inclusive look at the future of this type of employment. The information in the report will help shape the training and workforce development programs we are creating with our regional partners at Hartnell College, Digital Nest, and CSU Monterey Bay. “ Becca Fenwick, Director, CIDER UCSC.

“Monterey Bay DART is thrilled to continue and expand  our collaboration with the UCSC-CIDER team on this important project. We are seeing increasing demand for DART-related skills, and this study will provide our regional industries a chance to contribute directly to shaping our future-relevant workforce training efforts” says Josh Metz, Monterey Bay DART Executive Director. “This collaboration is a perfect pairing of the research and educational expertise of UCSC-CIDER with the project implementation expertise and cross-sector ecosystem DART has developed.”

The study will specifically assess industry demand for drone, automation, and robotics technology skills and expertise in the next 1-5 years across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, aviation, public safety, and marine science/blue economy. By analyzing the gap between job skill demand and the current skills identified in the surveys for each sector, our study will establish the existing training opportunities within the tri-county area.

About UCSC and CIDER:

The University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a renowned public research university located in Santa Cruz, California. UCSC is committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) is the first of its kind in the UC system, housed with the The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute or CITRIS for short, is a multi-campus initiative focused on research and emerging technologies across the UC Berkeley, Davis, Merced and Santa Cruz campuses. The UCSC CITRIS Initiative for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) offers educational training and research support for the development and use of drone technology across all academic disciplines and many industry sectors, as well as workforce development expertise. Students benefit from career-enhancing experiential learning opportunities, hands-on field research, flight time, and FAA licensure.

About Monterey Bay DART:

Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting the safe and responsible integration of drones into various industries. DART collaborates with educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies to drive innovation, economic growth, and workforce development in the region.

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Monterey Bay DART Drone Pavilion @FIRA-USA

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Join Monterey Bay DART at its premium drone pavilion during the FIRA-USA event September 19-21, 2023. The Pavilion will be centrally located and provide a cohesive environment from which to engage potential clients and customers.

FIRA-USA is the pinnacle event for autonomous farming and agricultural robotics solutions, where industry players come together to shape the future of agricultural robotics. During this three-day event, visitors will have the opportunity to witness in-field demonstrations, explore business opportunities, and attend research project presentations, all conveniently located within the same venue.

Pavilion Features include:

  • 40′ x 40′ Pavilion with wood floor, siding that opens to the outside, electricity, central meeting space with tables and chairs
  • Each drone company gets 10′ x 10′ space with 6′ table and 4 chairs
  • Premium marketing of the pavilion and Silver-level marketing value for each company
  • Download the Event Map

Cost: Limited number of spaces available in the pavilion. Cost for inclusion at the Silver Sponsor-level equivalent is a significant reduction from the Standard rates currently available:

  • $3500 w/o Demo (standard rate $5000)
  • $6500 w/Demo (standard rate $7500)

Hurry, space is limited! Deadline to join this opportunity is July 24. Contact Abigail directly: abigail@montereybaydart.org For more details and listings of Sponsorship Levels and their benefits, download the brochure below.

Download the Drone Pavilion Brochure

Santa Cruz Works Awarded UCSC 2023 Community Changemaker

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On May 30, 2023, UC Santa Cruz held the inaugural Chancellor’s Innovation Impact Award Program dinner. This new program celebrates the university’s talented faculty, researchers, staff, students, and community partners for their outstanding contributions to innovation and creativity. The three award categories were:

Innovator of the Year

  • Russell Corbett-Detig and his team have developed a computational tool called UShER (Ultrafast Sample Placement on Existing tRees), which has become instrumental in the fight against COVID-19. UShER allows real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 and helps researchers identify new virus lineages.
  • Visualizing Abolition is the nation’s most ambitious and sustained art and prison abolition initiative. The project examines the ways people see and understand issues of mass incarceration, detention, and policing in the United States and abroad, challenging the prevailing social, economic, and political worldviews that prisons promote. The initiative was developed by Dr. Gina Dent and Dr. Rachel Nelson, with support from the Mellon Foundation.

Lifetime Achievement in Innovation

  • The Lifetime Achievement in Innovation award, which acknowledges a faculty member’s influential and innovative contributions with long-term societal benefits, has been bestowed upon Research Professors Emeriti of Biomolecular Engineering, David Deamer and Mark Akeson. As the co-inventors of nanopore sequencing, their pioneering work has revolutionized DNA and RNA reading, significantly influencing our understanding of human genetics. Their award includes a $5,000 grant, which they can allocate to a division, department, or lab of their choice to bolster innovative research endeavors.

Community Changemaker

  • Santa Cruz Works (“SCWorks”) has been awarded the Community Changemaker award for their remarkable contributions to regional economic prosperity in the Santa Cruz region through innovation and entrepreneurship. SCWorks has significantly aided UC Santa Cruz by enhancing awareness of their research and its global impacts, expanding SCWorks’s digital footprint during the pandemic, and connecting PPE-producing companies with the university. Their efforts have helped students and innovators develop entrepreneurial skills, evident in their instrumental role in establishing CruzHacks and supporting campus startups via SCWorks’s accelerator program. More than half of the first cohort were UCSC startups. Now in its fifth cohort, the program has supported more than 50 companies in starting their businesses in Santa Cruz, many from UC Santa Cruz. They also played a vital role in bringing Launchpad ’22 and Blue Innovation ’22 to campus, events aimed at supporting research, businesses, and stakeholders interested in water management and ocean climate solutions.

Read the Press Release: https://news.ucsc.edu/2023/06/chancellor-innovation-awards.html

Parallel Flight Technologies Inks Multi-Million-Dollar Aircraft Deal

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La Selva Beach, CA, May 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading heavy-lift drone developer, Parallel Flight Technologies, announces a significant deal involving the sale of 50 autonomous aircraft to India-based drone and robotics solutions provider, UAV Systems Private Limited (UAVS). Alongside the deal, Parallel Flight will also ensure seamless functioning of these platforms through its continuous maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Deliveries under this agreement are set to commence in 2024.

This monumental agreement marks a pivotal step in Parallel Flight’s international expansion, strengthening its position as a top-tier UAV solution provider in India. The alliance will bring forth customer-centric solutions that blend cutting-edge technology, safety, high efficiency, and affordability across various industries.

UAV Systems Private Limited, supported by various prominent Indian conglomerates, is an expert in UAV solutions, demonstrating a solid track record in penetrating emerging markets with turnkey solutions. The Indian market exhibits broad acceptance of drone technology across sectors such as energy, agriculture, renewables, mining, conservation/reforestation, defense, law enforcement, and several other industrial logistics applications.

“We chose to collaborate with Parallel Flight owing to their unique technology, inventive approach, customer comprehension, and the commendable backgrounds of their team,” states Arab Khan, CEO of UAV Systems. He adds, “The proficiency of their scientists and engineers in creating outstanding heavy-lift drone technology fills a technology gap in India. We are excited about this partnership and anticipate the demand for Parallel’s units to increase to over 500 in the upcoming years.”

Read more here: https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/parallel-flight-technologies-inks-multi-million-dollar-aircraft-deal

Island Conservation and Parallel Flight Technologies Partner

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Island Conservation, a leading global nonprofit organization that restores and protects island-ocean ecosystems by removing destructive invasive species, has announced a strategic partnership with Parallel Flight Technologies, a California-based company specializing in heavy-lift drone and hybrid propulsion technology.

This partnership is expected to advance Island Conservation’s critical island restoration initiatives to new heights.

Islands are biodiversity hotspots that are home to an incredible range of birds and terrestrial animals, as well as abundant marine life in the surrounding ocean. However, they are also vulnerable to destructive invasive species, such as rodents that destroy natural habitat. Roughly 75 percent of reptile, bird, amphibian, and mammal extinctions combined have occurred on islands with invasive species as a primary cause. Removing this threat is crucial to ensuring ecological balance and diversity.

“Frequently, conducting invasive species eradications in order to protect these ecosystems involves huge logistical and resource challenges,” says David Will, Head of Innovation at Island Conservation. “Because of this, we have pioneered the use of drones in invasive rodent eradications to overcome the cost and skill barriers to conventional ground and helicopter-based approaches. However, we’ve reached the limits of what current all-electric drone technology can achieve.”

The solution lies in hybrid unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with large payload capacities and long-range capabilities that can meet the demands of conservation interventions in remote locations. Parallel Flight Technologies offers a groundbreaking aircraft with hybrid propulsion technology that gives it a combination of lift, endurance and portability which are ideal to advance Island Conservation’s field efforts.

“We see this technology as a game-changer, and we believe that it will allow us to achieve our goal to restore globally important islands more efficiently, effectively and sustainably,” says Will.

The aircraft can carry and spread a total payload capacity of approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms) for over 1.6 hours of flight time and can autonomously fly pre-programmed flight paths while accurately delivering bait at prescribed application rates. The hybrid propulsion technology is highly efficient and relies on locally sourced fuels, eliminating the need for costly, wasteful batteries. It also dramatically reduces the carbon footprint and power requirements of continuous aerial operations in remote locations.

“Our work with Parallel Flight Technologies is timely, inspiring and necessary,” says Penny Becker, Vice President of Conservation at Island Conservation. “The continued development and adaptation of Parallel Flight Technologies’ autonomous heavy-lift drone technology will enable a significant increase in safety parameters and exponentially increase efficiency over traditional methods. With this drone technology, we will be able to restore islands on a much larger scale and in remote places that were once prohibitive, protecting more island wildlife, oceans and communities.”

Islands are biodiversity hotspots. Restoring islands is repeatedly proven to be one of the best interventions for protecting biodiversity and creating resilient, thriving ecosystems. Photo: Island Conservation.

Read More: https://www.santacruzworks.org/news/island-conservation-and-parallel-flight-technologies-partner-to-revolutionize-the-restoration-of-islands-worldwide