Expert convention proposal for the use of bird Flight DivertErs on overhead power lines
Bird flight diverters are used worldwide to reduce collisions of birds with overhead power lines. The project "Species-specific effectiveness of bird protection markers on overhead power lines" analysed the effectiveness of bird protection markers, taking into account factors such as marker type, target species and environmental variables, and with the current publication presents a technical convention proposal that considers 164 bird species. The proposal is based on a comprehensive literature review, a written expert survey and a workshop with national and international experts. It was finalised in consultation with mainly national experts. The BfN script represents the best scientific knowledge on the subject at the present time. Future field studies or research results can be integrated into the assessment methodological framework of the convention proposal. This also guarantees an update with regard to a recognised technical convention for the future and ensures that the current state of science and technology is always available to planning practice.
BfN-Skript (in German)
Liesenjohann, Monique; Blew, Jan; Fronczek, Stefanie; Reichenbach, Marc; Bernotat, Dirk (2019): Artspezifische Wirksamkeiten von Vogelschutzmarkern an Freileitungen. Methodische Grundlagen zur Einstufung der Minderungswirkung durch Vogelschutzmarker – ein Fachkonventionsvorschlag. Ergebnisse des gleichnamigen F+E-Vorhabens (FKZ 3516 83 0700) (BfN-Skripten 537) (Download)
Printed copies can be ordered free of charge from 19.08.2019. Please send an e-mail to the BfN, Branch Office Leipzig, FG II 4.3 Nature Conservation and Renewable Energies, Mr. Friedhelm Igel
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) supported the research project with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
Determination and assessment of cumulative impairments in the context of nature conservation assessment instruments (especially for Natura 2000 sites)
When planning and approving projects, the effects of other plans and projects must be taken into account, especially if Natura 2000 sites are affected. In practice, however, there are often still uncertainties as to how this can be handled in a technically and legally appropriate manner.
The aim of the research project "Determination and Assessment of Cumulative Impacts in the Context of Assessment Instruments for Nature Conservation" commissioned by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) is to minimise the uncertainties that exist in practice by, among other things clarifying the relevant terms and legal requirements, describing the methodological approach to assessing cumulative impairments, providing assistance and orientation points on how to assess cumulative impairments, and clarifying and illustrating the extent to which compensation measures or other measures and developments that positively influence the conservation status can relieve the cumulative assessment.
The focus of the considerations is on the assessment instrument of the Habitats Impact Assessment (FFH-VP). In addition, the current legal framework conditions are examined and presented for other regulatory areas and assessment instruments - the prohibition of deterioration and disturbance according to Art. 6 para. 2 Habitats Directive, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) / Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), special species protection, intervention regulation, statutory biotope protection, environmental damage law and environmental objectives according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD).
It is shown that "other plans and projects" are encountered in German administrative practice in two different assessment contexts: on the one hand, in the preliminary or background impact and, on the other hand, as a cumulative project in the narrower sense. In the narrower sense, cumulative projects only play a role in the context of Natura 2000 impact assessments and here in particular in connection with de minimis considerations. However, previously implemented or approved projects can also have a cumulative adverse effect in that they exert negative impacts on the respective protected property in the sense of a pre-existing impact, which must be taken into account in the assessment.
BfN-Skript (in German):
Uhl, Rudolf; Runge, Holger; Lau, Marcus (2019): Ermittlung und Bewertung kumulativer Beeinträchtigungen im Rahmen naturschutzfachlicher Prüfinstrumente. Endbericht des gleichnamigen F+E-Vorhabens (FKZ 3516 82 3100) (BfN-Skripten 534) (Download)
The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) supported the research project with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
