Several studies show that overhead power lines pose a significant risk of collision and electrocution for birds, a scenario that occurs both in Portugal and Spain, including in the Special Protection Areas (SPAs) of the Natura 2000 Network, where these infrastructures constitute a significant threat to several endangered species.

Since 2003, E-REDES has been implementing measures to minimise this impact by correcting dangerous power lines, using co-financed projects and its own investment. In this context, LIFE PowerLines4Birds is a four-year project, co-financed by the European Union's LIFE Programme, which aims to reduce the impact of overhead power lines in 23 cross-border Special Protection Areas (14 in Portugal and 9 in Spain), reducing the risk of collision and electrocution of seven species of birds that are highly vulnerable and a priority for the European Union.

The success of the actions defined in this project depends on the collaboration between E-REDES and four partner organisations: the League for the Protection of Nature (LPN), the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA), the National Association for Nature Conservation (QUERCUS) and the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO). The project also has the support of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).

Within the scope of the project, one of the main responsibilities assigned to E-REDES, in addition to correcting 358 km of power lines, is to promote, together with experts, the collection and analysis of information essential for the protection of species.

This commitment also translates into the creation of an area for Reporting Bird Incidents on the E-REDES Digital Counter, where any citizen can contribute their observations and report situations that pose a risk to birdlife.

After the report is submitted, it is subsequently validated by E-REDES' partner Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations (ENGOs). The information collected plays an important role in monitoring and correcting power lines, contributing directly to reducing the risk of collision and electrocution of birds.

This new feature of the Digital Counter represents an important step in promoting knowledge through participatory citizenship, by allowing any citizen to contribute to the identification of power lines that are dangerous to protected bird species. Through everyone's contribution, the detection and resolution of risk situations become faster, more effective and more collaborative.

Access the Digital Counter or download the E-REDES Digital App.