Project activities

Research, planning and preparation

- Analysis of the existing overhead power lines within the Natura 2000 areas and the corridors between them in North-Eastern Bulgaria and identification of areas with the highest risk for wild birds

- Carrying out a specially designed field study on bird mortality along key sections of the overhead power lines in North-Eastern Bulgaria to determine priority sections for reconstruction

- Development of detailed plan and technical specifications for isolation of dangerous electric poles and marking of overhead cable lines with diverters

- Create a system/database to monitor the number and location of network outages caused by birds

Power line retrofitting and bird protection

- Prevent electrocution mortality of wild birds by isolating dangerous electrical poles

- Reducing the risk of flying birds striking overhead power lines on key corridors by installing diverters

- Installation of birdhouses for target species to provide safe breeding sites and prevent the construction of natural nests on power poles, which are risky both for the birds and for the normal operation of the power grid

Monitoring and impact assessment

- Monitoring the effect of conservation measures on priority bird species

- Assessment of the impact of the project on ecosystem functions

- Assessment of the socio-economic impact of project activities on the local economy and population

Communication, dissemination and visibility

- Ensuring effective national and international media coverage of the project and promotion of the project and the Natura 2000 site

- Creation and maintenance of the project's Internet presence

- Creation of communication materials, a short video, a layman's report and billboards to advertise project activities and the Natura 2000 site