Projects to generate energy from solar radiation are becoming increasingly popular as an industrial approach to combating climate change. In general terms, it is considered that solar projects involve alterations to the natural landscapes where they are implemented, directly and indirectly influencing their species (Hernández et al. 2014, Boroski 2019). This is why it is essential to carry out an initial in situ approach to ecosystems in the area where the implementation of solar photovoltaic plants is planned, in order to design the most appropriate methodology to obtain information on the bird populations, over a complete annual cycle. In addition to carrying out an initial survey of the study area, identifying the types of habitats, the areas with the best access, the existing paths, etc.
At Innogestiona Ambiental we are concerned about the interconnection of both worlds, in order to implement renewable energy projecs, with the lowest negative impact on the environment. For this reason, Innogestiona has extensive experience and technical capacity in the analysis and identification of faunal populations in renewable energy projects.
The general objective of bird populations analysis, is to measure, qualitatively and quantitatively, the impact of the proposed infrastructure on birds in a given area, according to specific methodology for the Environmental Assessment of Projects, regulated by Law 21/2013 -9th December-. In order to subsequently make a proposal for recommendations and corrective measures to minimise possible impacts on the populations.
To carry out this work, we usually develope a two-scales work: a smaller scale of field study which focuses on the closest area to the proposed infrastructures; and a larger scale study, covering the area of influence of the project of approximately 5 km radius.
In addition, for the general characterisation of the ornithic community, a series of observation/listening points and walking tours are established to quantify the community in terms of numbers and densities. On the other hand, we carry out different tasks to detect birds of greater interest due to their level of conservation, such as medium and large steppe birds or birds of prey, due to their role in steppe landscapes and and their scarcity, which makes their conservation key to the maintenance of regional and national biodiversity.
Photo by Hans Illich-Edlinger on Unsplash
