Poorly deployed energy structures are killing birds in their millions

Migratory birds are unique in many ways and together with the corridors they use, their wintering or summering areas and staging sites that they use during their annual cyclic movements have evolved to be important ecosystems in the living world. They provide immeasurable value to the environment. Human culture has been influenced by the migration spectacle which has become an integral aspect of our lives.

These birds provide critical ecosystem services including controlling pests and pollination, in addition to being food sources for other wildlife species. Further, through birdwatching, migratory birds, contribute billions of dollars every year to the tourism sector in many countries world over.

In recognition and appreciation of migratory birds, the world has chosen May and October, every year to celebrate them, through the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD). This provides a chance for all to join hands, through various activities, to connect with each other to remember, enjoy and cherish migratory birds. WMBD also offers a good opportunity for people to ponder and reflect on the challenges that birds endure as they navigate the world through their epic journeys twice each year.

The 2022 WMBD global theme 'Light Pollution' focuses on artificial light. Artificial light is increasing globally by at least 2 per cent per year and it is known to adversely affect many bird species. The 2022 campaign aims at raising awareness of the need for sustainable development and management of our natural resources, demonstrating that bird conservation is also crucial for the future of humankind, to inspire people to positively think and integrate migratory birds in their activities.

Increasing developments in the energy sector, are increasingly posing a threat to migratory birds. Balancing the energy and climate change equation is pushing the world to think clean energy production. However, all must rise to the fact that ‘clean’ does not necessarily mean ‘green’. The revelation that renewable energy infrastructure can have a profound impact on the environment and birds is a matter that governments, the financiers the developers must meaningfully integrate into their plans, programmes and energy projects particularly in Africa.

Africa still has some 600 million people without electricity connection, yet for the continent to be competitive economically, it must address the power deficit. It is for this reason that, many governments from African countries are prioritising growing this sector to create opportunities that better people’s lives.

On the other hand, the African Eurasian flyway region could easily become one of the most dangerous places for birds. Poorly deployed energy structures are known to harm bird habitats and to kill vulnerable ones in their millions through collisions and electrocutions. Further, the negative interactions between birds and powerlines lead to frequent power outages and thus high energy infrastructure maintenance costs which are eventually passed on to consumers. Thus, mitigating these negative consequences is critical. This can only be done through proper siting of power generation and design distribution infrastructure.

To this end, collaboration between conservation organisations and sector stakeholders such as governments, power developers is critical. BirdLife International has recently joined the Power Africa partnership, as part of efforts to increasingly instil sustainability in the sector.

Mr Ngari is the Migratory Birds and Flyways Programme Manager for BirdLife Africa