THE BIRD LIFE PROJECT OF CEZ DISTRIBUTION WITH PRESTIGIOUS NOMINATION FOR EUROPEAN ECO AWARDS

The aim of the competition is to honor eco-innovation and good practices of European companies

The project of CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD for protection of the life of endangered bird species on the territory of Western Bulgaria, Life for Birds, has been nominated for the prestigious European Business Awards for Environment in the category “Business and Biodiversity”. The biennial competition highlights projects by companies with a significant contribution to sustainable development and promotes the success of eco-innovation, as well as good environmental practices that help maintain Europe’s competitiveness. The winners will be announced at an official ceremony at the end of the year.

The project “Life for birds”, whose full name is “Conservation of endangered bird species by securing dangerous for them overhead power lines in Natura 2000 protected areas in Western Bulgaria”, is implemented by CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD in partnership with a Bulgarian company for the protection of birds (BSPB). The aim is to secure the overhead power lines in the Natura 2000 areas and to provide opportunities for safe nesting of rare and endangered bird species on the territory of Western Bulgaria. The company will install 4,000 safety and 3,600 marking equipment on risk poles and will install 900 platforms for raising stork nests. A prototype of a pole safe for birds will also be created, which will be made available for use by other electricity distribution network operators. So far, within the project CEZ Distribution Bulgaria AD has secured 414 stork nests, 459 ladders and installed 138 marking devices.

The project is co-financed by the Life Program of the European Union. It started in October 2017 and will last until December 2022. Its implementation is a natural continuation of the long-term policy of CEZ Distribution Bulgaria for the protection of biological diversity and protection of bird life.