POTA (Parks on the Air)

POTA (Parks on the Air) is an award program that recognizes and promotes amateur radio communication from designated parks and protected areas. The award is sponsored by the Amateur Radio Association of Australia (VKFF) and is open to all licensed amateur radio operators.

To qualify for the POTA award, radio operators must make contact with other operators who are operating from a park or protected area listed in the POTA directory. The park or protected area must be designated as such by a recognized governing body, such as a national park service or environmental agency. Radio operators can earn various levels of the POTA award by contacting a certain number of different parks or protected areas.

The POTA program is a popular activity among ham radio operators, as it allows them to explore different locations, make new contacts, and learn about the natural environment and conservation efforts. It is also a way for ham radio operators to share their knowledge and skills with others and promote the hobby of amateur radio.