11.07.2015 Views

2012 Activity and sustainable development report - RTE

2012 Activity and sustainable development report - RTE

2012 Activity and sustainable development report - RTE

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

AN OFFER FOR TODAY AND TOMORROWA NEED FOR INNOVATION“Improving bird protection in a spiritof mutual respect.”ViewpointA hundred-yearwar in defenceof birdsALLAINBOUGRAIN-DUBOURGChairman of the BirdProtection Leaguein 1912 with the aimof halting the massacreof puffins in Brittany, theFoundedFrench Bird Protection Leagueis one of France’s leading natureconservation movements with46,000members, 5,000 active volunteers,450 employees <strong>and</strong> local branches in76departments. Allain Bougrain-Dubourg,Chairman of the organisation, gives ushis insight into relations betweenthe League <strong>and</strong> <strong>RTE</strong>.Many agreements have beenconcluded between the BirdProtection League <strong>and</strong> <strong>RTE</strong>to implement actions targetingthreatened species or equippingpower lines with systems to protectbirds. How do you assess thiscollaboration?Since the creation of the National BirdlifeCommittee, of which <strong>RTE</strong> is a member,in 2004, a new style of collaboration hasbeen established. In the context of theCommittee, we meet regularly <strong>and</strong> manyregional agreements have been signedto protect birdlife. To give a few examples,these have included fixing marker buoysto the lines, installing nesting boxes ontowers, avoiding flying helicopters overnesting sites <strong>and</strong> delaying maintenanceoperations until the end of breedingseasons. In fact, we have createda permanent position of mediatorto facilitate consultations with <strong>RTE</strong> <strong>and</strong>the implementation of solutions.A representative of the Bird ProtectionLeague sits on the <strong>RTE</strong> StakeholdersCommittee, <strong>and</strong> in the context of theelectricity transmission network userscommittee, another of our representativesis taking part in one of the workingparties of the Network Prospectssub-committee. So there are plentyof good practices that are enabling usto improve bird protection in a spiritof mutual respect.<strong>RTE</strong> teams have undertaken to takegreater account of the recommendationsof environmental pressuregroups in carrying out their projects.In the case of the Bird ProtectionLeague, has this desire beentranslated into reality?At the very start, our relations were ratherstrained, not to say hostile. But thingshave really changed today. When impactstudies are conducted, the issue of birdpopulations is taken into account.Contacts are made with local branchesof the Bird Protection League <strong>and</strong> otherorganisations to install marker buoys onpotentially sensitive sections. To date,280sensitive points have been equipped,which represents more than 1,500 kmof lines. In addition, agreements havebeen reached to protect a number oflarge species, such as the Bonelli’s eagle,the stork in the west, the peregrine falconin the east <strong>and</strong> the capercaillie in the Vosges.<strong>RTE</strong> | IN LINE WITH THE FUTURE45

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!