BirdLife reaffirms its support to an ecologically sensitive renewable energy revolution

On 7-9 October 2013, Birdlife International participated to a workshop on strengthening social acceptance and dispelling lingering misconceptions about renewable energy hosted by The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The workshop highlighted the importance of addressing public concerns about renewable energy and the lessons to be drawn from the experiences of the private sector and civil society. Birdlife International was represented Mr. Ivan Scrase from RSPB, BirdLife in UK, and Mr. Julien Jreissati from BirdLife’s Regional Flyway Facility.

Ivan Scrase delivered a presentation on migratory species and renewable energy that focused on migratory birds and measures that should be taken when planning and deploying renewables to minimize risks associated to renewable energy development. The presentation reflected BirdLife’s hands on experience working with the energy sector and showcased the guidance tools developed by the Migratory Soaring Birds project to integrate bird’s conservation into renewable energy development in addition to the incoming sensitivity mapping web-tool. The presentation can be downloaded here.

Throughout the workshop the delegation reaffirmed BirdLife’s support to a renewable energy revolution that is ecologically sensitive and in harmony with nature. This event provided a great platform for Birdlife International to deliver its message to a receptive renewable energy community. BirdLife International is thankful to IRENA for the opportunity given to make nature’s voice heard.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is mandated as the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange by 118 Members. Over 40 additional countries are in the accession process and actively engaged. Formally established in 2011, IRENA is the first global intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in the Middle East. www.irena.org