Energy Task Force: an opportunity to join the work towards reconciling renewable energy development with migratory species conservation

A webinar entitled “Energy Task Force” was organized on Wednesday, Nov 18^th, 2020, aiming at shedding light on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Energy Task Force (ETF) and welcoming those interested in becoming a member in EFT or engaging otherwise.

The deployment of renewable energy infrastructure and powerlines can have critically adverse impacts on species and ecosystems if located in wildlife sensitive areas and if developed without appropriate safeguards. It is therefore critical to take biodiversity considerations into account while renewable energy infrastructure is sited and operated.

Safe Flyways – reducing energy infrastructure related bird mortality in the Mediterranean” Project, a MAVA funded project, organized the webinar in collaboration with “Migratory Soaring Birds” Project, GEF-funded, UNDP coordinated and BirdLife International implemented project. These initiatives continue its support to the ETF process as a global multi-stakeholder platform to develop tools, advocate their implementation and harness dialogue and exchange of experiences at the Med-Basin level.

The webinar hosted Dr. Ashton Berry, the Global Climate Change Programme Coordinator, and Harvey Rich, the Global Policy Officer, at Birdlife International ETF, to introduce the ETF and explain how can be involved in this task force.

The renewable energy impacts on biodiversity and migratory species were summarized and the importance of planning was discussed. The ETF goal, role, scope, objectives and themes were explained as well as the benefits of joining.

The ETF is compromising governments, scientists, multilateral environmental agreements, investors, the private sector and non-governmental organizations with an aim of avoiding and minimising negative impacts of energy developments on migratory species.

It provides a forum for developing and disseminating best practices on deploying energy infrastructure, via the promotion of science based responsible and innovative renewable energy solutions and is uniquely placed to Spreadhead national and global action.

During the webinar, the floor was open to the participants to ask questions and raise their enquires, resulting in a fruitful discussion. To ensure the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the process of reconciling energy sector development with the conservation of migratory species, those who are interested in the Energy Task Force, by becoming a member or engaging otherwise, are welcome to send their enquiries to ETF team at Birdlife International:

• Dr. Ashton Berry, the Global Climate Change Programme Coordinator, at Ashton.berry@birdlife.org
• Harvey Rich, the Global Policy Officer, at Harvey.rich@birdlife.org

For more information on the ETF, press here.

The webinar’s record is available here .