PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The EP for Birds LIFE project, led by EP Yug (distribution grid operator in Bulgaria, part of EVN Bulgaria Group), in collaboration with EVN Macedonia and the BirdLife Internaional partners - BSPB, DOGA, MES, aims to reduce human-induced mortality of the globally endangered Eastern Imperial Eagle (EIE) and Egyptian Vulture (EV). Both species, listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and the IUCN Red List, are priorities for funding under the LIFE Programme due to their status as species of European Conservation Concern. 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. Key objectives include: - Insulating over 17,000 hazardous electricity pylons and installing 2,500 bird diverters on aerial conductors across 14 SPA, 48 IBA/KBA and "stepping stone" areas. - 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. The project area covers 100% and 80% of EIE and EV national breeding populations, respectively. Given these birds are migratory, they traverse vast regions beyond national borders, making it essential to transfer effective mitigation measures from experienced operators like EP Yug to other grid operators across Eastern Europe and flyway. To ensure sustainability, the project will integrate best practices into national conservation strategies, establish long-term collaboration networks among stakeholders, and support ongoing monitoring and evaluation to maintain the project’s impact beyond its lifespan. Reducing bird mortality will also help mitigate power outages, thereby reducing economic losses and improving grid reliability.The EP for Birds LIFE project, led by EP Yug (distribution grid operator in Bulgaria, part of EVN Bulgaria Group), in collaboration with EVN Macedonia and the BirdLife Internaional partners - BSPB, DOGA, MES, aims to reduce human-induced mortality of the globally endangered Eastern Imperial Eagle (EIE) and Egyptian Vulture (EV). Both species, listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and the IUCN Red List, are priorities for funding under the LIFE Programme due to their status as species of European Conservation Concern. 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. Key objectives include: - Insulating over 17,000 hazardous electricity pylons and installing 2,500 bird diverters on aerial conductors across 14 SPA, 48 IBA/KBA and "stepping stone" areas. - 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. The project area covers 100% and 80% of EIE and EV national breeding populations, respectively. Given these birds are migratory, they traverse vast regions beyond national borders, making it essential to transfer effective mitigation measures from experienced operators like EP Yug to other grid operators across Eastern Europe and flyway. To ensure sustainability, the project will integrate best practices into national conservation strategies, establish long-term collaboration networks among stakeholders, and support ongoing monitoring and evaluation to maintain the project’s impact beyond its lifespan. Reducing bird mortality will also help mitigate power outages, thereby reducing economic losses and improving grid reliability.