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ЕP for Birds LIFE Project - Safe powerlines for endangered birds

aleksejBird Study and Protection

Full name of the project

Reduction of mortality risk on globally endangered birds through retrofitting of hazardous overhead power lines in South-eastern Europe.

Objectives

Reduce human-induced mortality of the globally endangered Eastern Imperial Eagle and Egyptian Vulture. The project will implement cutting-edge solutions to prevent bird mortality caused by electrocution and collisions with overhead power lines, a significant threat to both species.

Activities

  • Insulating over 17,000 hazardous electricity pylons and installing 2,500 bird diverters on aerial conductors across 100% and 80% of EIE and EV national breeding populations, respectively;
  • Pilot remote methods to identify mortality hotspots and guide interventions more effectively, and test innovative technologies for retrofitting power lines, ensuring long-term sustainability;
  • Establishing an international network for experience exchange and best practices between grid operators across the Balkans and along the species’ migratory flyways.

Duration

5 years (July 2025 – July 2030).

Target areas

14 SPA, 48 IBA/KBA and “stepping stone” areas in Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey.

Partners

Coordinating beneficiary: EP Yug (ELEKTRORAZPREDELENIE YUG EAD).

Associated beneficiaries: EVN Macedonia (EVN MAKEDONIJA AKCIONERSKO DRUSHTVOZA USLUGI SKOPJE), BSPB, DOGA DERNEGI, MES (MACEDONIAN ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY).

Funding

11 304 127.35 , through the LIFE programme of the European Union.