Contributing to the sustainable development: DTEK Donetsk Grids have installed 377 bird protection structures in the Donetsk region

One of the priorities of DTEK Donetsk Grids operation is protection of biodiversity in the areas of its operation. The company cares about preservation of birds since 2013 and every year it scales up the ornithological safety program.

“We strive to reconcile achieving business goals with specific contribution to protection and preservation of environment and biodiversity. It is in line with the DTEK 2030 strategy, based on ESG principles, values and business responsibility for progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Global Compact. In particular, goal No. 15 – “Preserving Terrestrial Ecosystems”. In 2021, we helped save over 240 birds,” said Oleksii Degtyarev, Head of DTEK Donetsk Grids.

In order to protect birds, company's energy workers install nesting platforms for storks on power towers. In 2021, they installed 4 platforms in Pokrovskiy and Kramatorskiy districts within the framework of DTEK Grids environmental educational project #EnergyWings, largest in Ukraine. Over the past 6 years, 19 platforms for storks nesting have been installed in Donetsk region.

In order to protect birds from collision with power lines and electrocution, DTEK Donetsk Grids equip power transmission lines with bird protection devices – reflective diverters and special casings made of electrical resistant material. In 2021, energy workers installed 343 such devices. Since 2013, 463 protection devices have been installed in Donetsk region, including the territory of Meotida National Natural Park in Pryazovia.

Additionally, company's energy workers, in cooperation with Meotida park ornithologists, have fabricated and installed 30 artificial nesting spots for the red-footed falcon.

Special design not only safeguards rare and endangered birds from death, but also secures the transmission lines from accidents, and company’s customers – from power outages.

In 2022, DTEK Donetsk Grids will continue its ornithological safety program: it will install 415 reflective diverters and special protection devices, continue monitoring storks nesting platforms and implement other initiatives related to protection of biodiversity.

For reference:

* The Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats entered into force on January 1, 1982 and since then 51 parties have joined to it, including the European Union. Ukraine joined the Convention in 1996. The Berne Convention is the main environmental law in Europe, and serves as a basis for almost all environmental conventions of our continent, environmental legislation of most European countries and environmental directives of the European Union.