CEZ Distribution Bulgaria installs 127 marking devices / diverters / over the power lines in the municipality of Belene, which make the wires visible to the birds and reduce the risk of conflict with them. It is also envisaged to secure 63 pillars with various poultry protection products. So far, 13 pillars with 39 insulation kits have been secured.
The efforts are part of the project “Life for the Birds”, which is implemented in partnership with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds / BSPB /. Within this project, field surveys are conducted to identify the most risky areas for birds and to ensure that targeted efforts are made to secure power lines. The studies identified the Pleven district as a region of particular importance. They will continue until all important bird sites are identified and specific measures are planned to increase their security.
Some of the activities already planned in the area also envisage the lifting of 46 stork nests with special platforms. This protects the life of birds, prevents fires on the grid and reduces the number of power outages resulting from the contact of storks with power lines.
CEZ Distribution Bulgaria and BSPB presented the efforts undertaken to protect the birds in the Pleven district and specifically in the municipality of Belene on October 31 at Persina Nature Park – a strategic bird protection site where some of the project activities in the area are concentrated .
“Conservation of Endangered Species of Birds by Securing Hazardous Air Pipes in Natura 2000 Protected Areas in Western Bulgaria”, LIFE16NAT / BG000612 or “Life for Birds” is a project with a budget of EUR 2.65 million. CEZ Distribution invests more than EUR 800 thousand in it, as well as human resources and efforts for its implementation. The European Commission is providing € 1.85 million funding under the Life Program of the European Union. Work to reduce the conflict of wild bird-power lines, implemented in partnership with the BSPB, will continue until the end of 2022.
