DTEK Dnipro Grids helps to preserve the Dniprovsko Orilskyi Nature Reserve
Biodiversity conservation is one of the activities of DTEK Dnipro Grids, which is in line with the DTEK strategy 2030 based on ESG principles for the purposes of the UN Global Compact.
“We began our cooperation with the Dniprovsko Orilskyi Nature Reserve with the installation of artificial structures for scops owls, since they didn’t have enough of natural places for nesting and incubating eggs. In general, this unique nature reserve counts about 2,000 species of rare animals, birds, and plants. Of these, 98 are in the Red Book. New information stands will give guidance to visitors amidst the diversity of the local flora and fauna, and will teach to treat wildlife more carefully,” says Andrii Tereshchuk, CEO of DTEK Dnipro Grids.
The Dniprovsko Orilskyi Nature Reserve is located between the cities of Dnipro and Kamensky and covers an area of 3,766 hectares. There are almost all types of landscapes, such as pine and deciduous forests, sand dunes, steppes, swamps, lakes, and meadows. Three large information stands, which DTEK Dnipro Grids helped to manufacture and install, show everything about the flora and fauna of the reserve and its rare specimens.
“We can see 139 species of animals that need to be specially protection according to the Berne Convention. The uniqueness of the reserve is highly appreciated by the world community. It was awarded the status of "Wetland of international importance" Dniprovsko Orilskyi floodplain. There are only a few dozen of them in the world. It is home to 80% of animal species (mammals, fish, birds) listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and protected by international conventions. We are grateful to DTEK Dnipro Grids, which help to preserve biodiversity,” says Maria Trifanova, Deputy Director for Research, Candidate of Biological Sciences.
Most visitors to the park are children of school and preschool age.
“When visitors come to us, we show our zest, according to the season. But now, thanks to the stands, it will be possible to learn about rare plants and animals regardless of the season. We will start our excursions from here, with beautiful photos and general information,” says Dmitry Ganzha, the researcher.
During the next stage of cooperation between DTEK Dnipro Grids and the Reserve, there will be gazebos arranged as a meeting point for groups and to have some rest during excursions.
As previously reported, to preserve rare and endangered birds, the company installed more than 160 safe nesting structures for white storks across the region, as well as more than 1,500 bird protection devices on high-voltage lines. These are reflective diverters and special covers for insulators and wires that make them safe for birds and eliminate the risk of power interruptions for customers. They also install wooden and metal nests for the Red Book Klintukh pigeon, which has taken up residence on poles. These initiatives of the company are in line with DTEK Strategy 2030 based on ESG principles, values and business responsibility for progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Global Compact for the Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystems.